Image credit: Monjasa

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Monjasa has announced the completion of its first ever ship-to-ship supply of Very Low-Sulphur Fuel Oil (VLSFO) with a maximum sulphur content of 0.5 percent.

As part of Monjasa's bunker operations from Portland in the English Channel, the Monjasa-operated Vinga Safir went alongside the ro-ro cargo ship Hurst Point in Southampton on August 29, supplying both VLSFO and 0.1-percent marine gas oil (MGO).

Group COO, Svend Stenberg Mølholt, commented: "Cleaning up our first tanker and supplying the new 0.5% product is a milestone for Monjasa. During this first supply, we learned more about the handling and specifications of VLSFO, to conclude that on-board operational expertise and detailed product knowledge is needed to enable a successful transition for the industry. We have been preparing thoroughly for this moment and we are ready to support this transition and keep global trade moving come 2020."

Global roll-out

Monjasa says the next step will be to roll out VLSFO supplies on a global scale.

The supplier recently announced the acquisition of five tankers ahead of IMO 2020, and it will be taking full ownership of sourcing, shipping and the supply of VLSFO in West Africa, Northwest Europe, Panama Canal and the eastern coast of the Arabian Peninsula.

West Africa

In West Africa, VLSFO is to be made available from the Gulf of Guinea to Namibia via the Monjasa-operated SKS Darent (120,000 dwt), which serves as floating storage off Lome, Togo.

Several of Monjasa's 10 deployed tankers in the region are expected to supply low-sulphur products come 2020.

Northwest Europe

In Northwest Europe, Monjasa stores VLSFO product in Portland, UK, and Skaw, Denmark. A total of three Monjasa tankers are deployed in the area.

Panama Canal

Monjasa notes that VLSFO is stored locally in Panama and that three of its vessels will be tasked with performing VLSFO deliveries - including the newly acquired Accra tanker in Balboa. One tanker is deployed in Cristobal.

Middle East

Sourcing VLSFO in Fujairah, UAE, three Monjasa operated tankers will be making VLSFO available across port areas in Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Sharjah, and in the Gulf of Oman.