Tue 21 Dec 2010, 10:41 GMT

Buckeye to acquire 80% stake in BORCO


US firm in agreement to gain a majority interest in Bahamas oil storage terminal.



First Reserve Corporation has announced that it has sold its 80 percent equity interest in the Bahamas Oil Refining Company oil storage terminal to Buckeye Partners, L.P. (Buckeye) for $1.36 billion.

First Reserve and Vopak, the world's largest tank terminal operator, acquired the BORCO oil storage terminal in Freeport, Bahamas, in April 2008 as a strategic joint venture. The equity of the company was split 80%/20% between affiliates of First Reserve Fund XI, L.P. and Royal Vopak, respectively.

"Our investment in BORCO has provided significant value for our strategic partners and investors. During our three-year investment period, we have worked with Vopak to make significant upgrades to the facility's infrastructure, diversified Borco's product offerings, and have worked with the management team to create an operating center of excellence," said Tim Day, Managing Director at First Reserve.

"The terminal is now a strategic hub for some of the world's major oil companies and provides them with superior facilities for storage and distribution services. Vopak has been a great partner and with Buckeye's acquisition of our 80% interest, BORCO is well positioned for future growth and continued success."

Raymond Jones, Managing Director of BORCO, said, "Buckeye is a welcomed investor that will provide long-term support for the tremendous infrastructure improvements and expansion achieved to date. The infusion of capital, along with Vopak's continued interest, will enable BORCO to progress through its next phase of growth and which will provide additional economic benefits to the Bahamas and the region."

BORCO is a 21.6 million barrel storage terminal for crude oil, fuel oil and multiple petroleum products in Freeport, Bahamas, located just 80 miles east of the coast of Florida. In addition to storage, BORCO offers blending, trans-shipment and bunkering services. BORCO is the largest storage terminal in the Caribbean, and its deepwater jetty facilities can berth the largest-sized vessels.

The transaction is expected to close in January of 2011 and is contingent upon the receipt of satisfactory regulatory approvals from the Government of the Bahamas.

About Buckeye Partners, L.P.

Buckeye is a publicly traded partnership that owns and operates one of the largest independent refined petroleum products pipeline systems in the United States in terms of volumes delivered, with approximately 5,400 miles of pipeline. Buckeye also owns 69 refined petroleum products terminals, operates and maintains approximately 2,400 miles of pipeline under agreements with major oil and chemical companies, owns a major natural gas storage facility in northern California, and markets refined petroleum products in certain of the geographic areas served by its pipeline and terminal operations


Sing Fuels logo. Sing Fuels seeks Asia-based supply trader to bolster bunker procurement team  

Singapore bunkering firm is recruiting a supply trader to manage marine fuel purchasing across Asia.

MOL joint naming ceremony. MOL names world's first ammonia-fuelled Capesize bulk carriers  

Naming of Ruri Mirai, Ruri Sekai and Ruri Hikari signals ammonia's arrival as a marine fuel for large bulk carriers.

Washington State Hybrid-Electric 160-Auto Ferry vessel render. ABB wins Washington State Ferries' third hybrid-electric vessel order  

ABB extends its role in the US ferry operator's electrification programme, which targets emission-free operations by 2050.

Aurora Borealis vessel. Kawasaki Heavy Industries delivers LPG-fuelled carrier Aurora Borealis  

Ship could also be modified in future to allow for ammonia-fuelled operation.

Rendering of Estonia's first shore-charged electric ferry. Estonian State Fleet's shore-charged electric ferry completes model testing in Germany  

Hull and propulsion tests show the vessel's energy consumption remains within contracted limits with room to spare.

Kypros Island vessel. Tsuneishi delivers first methanol dual-fuel Kamsarmax bulk carrier from Chinese yard  

Shipbuilder claims progress towards establishing a mass-production system for vessels designed to reduce environmental impact.

ZIM LNG container vessel. Los Angeles and Long Beach identify LNG and methanol as key near-term marine fuels  

Joint feasibility study maps out demand projections and infrastructure needs to support cleaner shipping fuels at San Pedro Bay

Alexander Treff, Christiania Energy, Christiania Energy welcomes student assistant to Copenhagen office  

Alexander Treff joins marine fuels firm while studying international business at Copenhagen Business School.

Carlotta Cosulich vessel. Cosulich Marine Energy takes delivery of third methanol-ready bunker tanker  

Carlotta Cosulich joins the group’s fleet, bringing its four-vessel bunkering programme closer to completion.

Rendering of a Wallenius Wilhelmsen vessel Wallenius Wilhelmsen orders four dual-fuel PCTCs, extends fleet renewal programme  

Shipping firm signs for LNG-fuelled car carriers with options for eight more, with deliveries from 2030.