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Japan's International Bunker Services K.K. (IBS) says that it has seen a steady rise in sales volumes since it began operating as a bunker supplier last year.

Tokyo-based IBS, which commenced its bunker supply activities in May 2009 after having previously operated as a bunker trader, provides marine fuel to customers in the ports of Tokyo, Osaka, Nagoya, as well as other minor ports.

The company is able to supply all the major grades of fuel to customers - 380-centistoke (cst), 180-cst, marine diesel oil (MDO) and marine gas oil (MGO).

Speaking to Bunker Index, Sales Manager Kimihiko Miyazaki said IBS had been able to attract 'many ships' since becoming a physical supplier fifteen months ago due to its ability to offer competitive prices compared to other players in the market.

Miyazaki said a rise in demand from foreign vessels in countries such as China and South Korea had been a key factor that had led to the sales rise.

Current volumes were said to be between 10,000 - 20,000 metric tonnes per month.