---

OW Bunker, one of the world’s leading suppliers of marine fuels, has announced a series of new appointments to its recently launched US operation, based in Houston.

Michael Brunoe-Soerensen, who has worked with OW Bunker for 14 years, joins the US operation as Sales Manager. In addition, a further four bunker professionals have joined the team. They include Pablo Sanso and Mads Buchwald, who have both been with OW Bunker for five years. New recruit Brian Shores, previously with OSG Lightering and TransMontaigne, and Kai Zhou, a recent graduate from Pennsylvania State University with a dual Masters degree in Industrial Engineering and Operation Research also join OW Bunker..

Hans Staal, Branch Manager, OW Bunker USA, commented: "We now have a very experienced team here in Houston combining both local and wider industry knowledge. In conjunction with the global presence and financial strength of the OW Bunker Group, we can provide local customers, as well as international customers operating in the region, with the highest quality products whenever and wherever they need them. The US is an important market for OW Bunker and to support further expansion we are continuously looking for more high calibre, experienced individuals to join our growing team.".

“It is a critical time for the shipping industry with the implementation of the North American ECA. Although we see clear progress across the US and Eastern Asia in terms of low sulphur product availability, along the US West Coast supply remains very scarce. We do not expect this to change in the near future. Our advice to owners and operators is to enter the market with their low sulphur requirements as soon as possible, and to examine product availability en route. This will ensure that no stone is left unturned in sourcing low sulphur product for trading in US waters,” added Staal.