Image: Bunker Holding

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Bunker One confirmed on Wednesday that it has commenced physical supply operations on the island of Saint Croix, US Virgin Islands.

St. Croix, a soon-to-be Caribbean hub with the recent restart of the ex-Hovensa deep conversion refinery, is strategically located along major shipping lanes servicing US crude import and export markets as well as the regional markets for fuel oil and refined petroleum products in the Caribbean and Latin America.

By extending its physical portfolio into St. Croix, Bunker One - which also delivers in Jamaican ports, off Trinidad and off Jamaica - claims that it is now the leading independent bunker supplier in the Caribbean.

Commenting on the latest development, Peter Zachariassen, CEO of Bunker One, said: "I am very proud that Bunker One has been selected as the key physical supplier [in St. Croix] as it aligns perfectly with our expansion plans in the Caribbean. We strive to be our customers' preferred bunkering partner, and the expansion underlines that this is not just a strategy; we execute!"

The 12,551-deadweight-tonne MT Desna Star - a highly specialized bunker tanker fully equipped for bunkering operations - has been added to Bunker One's fleet for the new operation.

The vessel has the capacity to store up to 10,000 metric tonnes of very-low-sulphur fuel oil (VLSFO) and 2,200 tonnes of low-sulphur marine gas oil (MGO), with high pumping rate capabilities designed to ensure efficient deliveries and effective operational turnaround.

Bunker One says it will also be providing an ex-pipe bunkering solution for ships working cargo.

Fuel deliveries in St. Croix will be led by Georgia Kounalakis, Managing Director, Bunker One (Gulf of Mexico & Caribbean), and her team of specialists with local knowledge and expertise.

"Bunker One has an established physical supply platform with a market reputation for high-quality customer service, performance and integrity throughout its operation. The St. Croix expansion provides us with an exceptional opportunity to further support our extensive customer portfolio with broad refuelling optionality for all shipping sectors while complementing our existing supply locations," Kounalakis explained.