Tue 19 Apr 2011, 06:34 GMT

Aegean to launch bunker service in Panama


Aegean Marine Petroleum expects to commence supply operations in Panama by the end of Q2 2011.



Aegean Marine Petroleum Network Inc. has announced it has been awarded a 20-year concession by the Panamanian Maritime Authority (PMA) to operate onshore storage facilities in the ports of Cristobal and Balboa in Panama.

The award is subject to the fulfillment of certain conditions by the company and completion of definitive documentation with the appropriate Panamanian authorities.

In addition, the company says it has been pursuing the necessary approvals and, subject to receipt of such approvals, expects to commence physical supply operations in both Cristobal and Balboa by the end of the second quarter of 2011.

The port of Cristobal and the port of Balboa are strategically positioned at each end of the Panama Canal, a critical conduit for international maritime trade that connects the Atlantic Ocean and Pacific Ocean. Both ports total approximately 14,000 transits per year and generate approximately 3 million metric tons of annual marine fuel sales volumes on a combined basis.

The concession with Aegean is part of the PMA's efforts to expand and modernize the ports' infrastructure and services consistent with the current expansion of the Panama Canal. By 2014, the Panama Canal is expected to significantly increase its capacity, enabling larger ships to transit and providing greater efficiencies in global commerce.

The two onshore storage facilities in Panama currently total approximately 3 million barrels in capacity, with room for expansion. Aegean says it intends to provide retail bunkering services to all major shipping sectors, particularly containerships, as well as leading cruise lines, in port and at sea after receiving the necessary licenses by the local authorities.

Commenting on the news, E. Nikolas Tavlarios, President, commented, "We are excited to have been awarded a long-term concession in Panama, a landmark event for our company that is testament to Aegean's global brand recognition and balance sheet strength. By establishing a presence on both ends of the world's most famous canal, Aegean has significantly expanded its network for the global supply of marine fuel and strengthened its future growth prospects. We expect to realize numerous benefits from Panama's increasing role in global maritime trade in light of the projected expansion of the Panama Canal.

"The growing Panama market combined with the sizeable onshore storage capacity in the ports of Cristobal and Balboa position Aegean well to continue to meet the strong demand for its integrated services and profitably increase sales volumes. Consistent with our goal to further strengthen Aegean's geographical sales mix and drive future results, we remain on track to enter at least one more start-up market with attractive growth potential in 2011."


Peninsula 2026 graduate cohort. Peninsula welcomes 2026 graduate cohort across global bunkering network  

Bunker firm brings new graduates into roles spanning Houston, Singapore, Gibraltar, Monaco and Las Palmas.

Mathias Krogsgard, Malik Supply. Malik Supply appoints Mathias Krogsgård as bunker trader  

Danish bunker firm adds trader with export and technology background to growing team.

Jeroen De Vos, Peninsula. Biofuel adoption in shipping shifts from debate to delivery, says Peninsula's Jeroen de Vos  

Marine biofuels have moved from pilot projects to routine fuel strategy, argues IBIA vice-chair.

KEPCO E&C and KR signing. KEPCO E&C and Korean Register of Shipping to collaborate on marine SMR development  

Korean firms to develop technical standards and certification pathways for the BANDI offshore small modular reactor.

Ship-to-ship (STS) LNG bunkering operation at the Port of Sagunto. Peninsula completes first LNG bunkering operation at Sagunto  

Levante LNG bunkering vessel supplies K Line car carrier in landmark delivery.

Person signing a document. India and EU sign letter of intent for green shipping corridor coalition  

India's Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways and EU partners have agreed to develop green ammonia and methanol trade links.

CMA CGM Gold naming ceremony. CMA CGM takes delivery of methanol dual-fuel newbuild  

13,000-TEU CMA CGM Gold uses conventional fuels as well as alternative fuels, including biomethanol and e-methanol.

Mass flow meter (MFM) system installation on Storholmen vessel. TFG Marine meets 2026 target to equip 90% of bunkering fleet with mass flow meters  

Installation aboard the Storholmen takes MFM deployment across its global fleet to more than 90%.

World Fuel logo. World Fuel seeks marine fuel sales executive in Singapore  

Role requires more than five years' experience in bunkering, trading, energy or commodities.

Th'ailib vessel. MISC names first of three new LNG carriers for QatarEnergy charter deal  

Th'ailib, chartered to QatarEnergy for 15 years, extends MISC's long-term LNG fleet partnership with the energy producer.