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Shell Marine Products has announced that it has begun supplying marine fuels at Jebel Ali Port in Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE).

"The launch of bunker operations at Jebel Ali, the largest container port in the Middle East, further reinforces Shell Marine Products’ selective growth strategy by extending its network of ports in the Arabian Gulf region. Shell is currently the only global integrated energy company that has set up operations at Jebel Ali Port," Shell said in a statement.

Shell has acquired several storage oil tanks adjacent to one of the main terminals at Jebel Ali Port, as well as set up a high-capacity bunker barge to deliver fuels and services that meet international barging standards to its customers. The 8,000-tonne barge, which was previously deployed in Singapore, is one of the first vessels to use mass flow meters in the Middle East.

Through the introduction of the latest flow meter technology, Shell says it aims to provide increased transparency in the quantity measurement of marine fuels delivery.

Koh Chaik-Ming, General Manager, Asia Pacific and Middle East, Shell Marine Products, said: “We are confident that Shell’s expertise and operational excellence will boost our presence as one of the leading marine fuel and lubricants providers in the Middle East. On top of the assurance that our products are always vetted according to rigorous standards, the use of mass flow meter technology now brings improved accuracy and transparency to the fuel delivery process.”

Shell has been present in the UAE for 75 years. Commenting on its new bunkering operation at Jebel Ali, Richard Jory, General Manager, Shell Markets Middle East Limited in Dubai, said: “The strategic location of Jebel Ali Port, a fast-growing container port, puts Shell in an excellent position to support liners operating in the Middle East.”

Mohammed Al Muallem, Senior Vice President and Managing Director, DP World UAE Region, said: “We welcome Shell’s bunker operations as an important contribution towards strengthening the services for vessels calling at Jebel Ali Port. Shell’s technology driven initiative aligns with DP World UAE Region’s drive to bring innovative solutions and efficiencies to the port users.”

Jesper Rosenkrans Ødum, Business Development Manager, Maersk Oil Trading, said: “Integrity in the custody transfer of fuels remains an important issue in bunkering, and Shell’s adoption of mass flow meter measurement in Jebel Ali promotes a greater level of transparency across the marine industry.”

Shell said the Middle East remains one of the key growth markets for its marine fuels and lubricants business, adding that it will continue to assess the feasibility of expanding bunker operations at other locations in the Gulf region.