Wed 9 Jun 2010, 12:14 GMT

OW Icebunker launches North Norway operations



O.W. Icebunker Ltd. A/S, part of the O.W. Bunker Group, one of the world’s leading suppliers and traders of marine fuel products and services, has today announced that it has established new operations in North Norway, offering customers access to products either in port, at the roads or at sea depending on their needs.

O.W. Icebunker currently has one tanker operating in the Barents Sea and off the coast of Norway, and has access to the rest of OW Bunker's logistics network of over 30 vessels to ensure that it is able to meet the needs of its customers.

The company is also able to provide customers with products in port at Narvik, Hammersfest, Honnigsvåg and Kirkennes, enabling maximum flexibility and choice.

O.W. Icebunker said it can supply customers with all grades of fuel oil up to 380-centistoke (cst) as well as marine gasoil, and low sulphur products. All vessels have on board blending and fuel testing facilities as well as high speed pumping rates of up to 600 cubic metres per hour to ensure quick supply.

O.W. Icebunker is one of the world’s leading high seas bunkering firms. The company says it has seen an increase in interest in high seas bunkering over the past 12 months as customers realize the benefits of taking on bunkers without having to deviate from their course, thus increasing efficiencies and reducing costs.

O.W. Icebunker has the capability to bunker alongside a customer’s vessel or, if waters are rough, supply is provided via a stern-line to guarantee safety. The company also has a permit to provide customers with products during cargo operations, which reduces vessel downtime and increases efficiencies even further.

Commenting on the announcement, Per Funch-Nielsen, Managing Director, O.W. Icebunker, said “Our aim is to work in partnership with our customers and provide them with the best fuel procurement solution that meets the demands of their business and improves operational efficiencies as well as profitability.

Suppliers must have the ability to develop and adapt strategies directly with the customers' needs, based on a fundamental understanding of the challenges that they face. High seas bunkering is a great example of this and saves customers days of time that would otherwise be spent in port, where they would also incur additional costs. And of course the North Norway operation is well set up to supply customers in port as well to ensure maximum flexibility.”


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