Two Italian bunker tanker operators have joined forces in a joint venture that will perform marine fuel deliveries in many major Italian ports — and it aims to expand its operations.
Maritime Bunkers has emerged from the pairing of Anapo, which is part of large independent Italian oil company Maxcom, and Rimorchiatori Laziali, which is controlled by compatriot towing and salvage giant Cafimar.
Anapo delivers bunkers in the southern ports of Augusta, Catania, Ancona, and Brindisi, while Rimorchiatori operates its bunker vessels in Civitavecchia and coastal trading. Cafimar has a fleet of 24 tugs and four barges, while Maxcom’s activities range from bunkering to LNG supply.
Sicily-based Anapo has committed the latest arrival in its fleet of three bunker vessels to the new venture. The company purchased the 2,366-dwt Mersey Spirit (built 1996) in May from World Fuel Services. Maritime Bunker will also deploy Rimorchiatori’s 1,100-dwt Magic Duba (built 2010).
Anapo may add its other double hull vessel — the 1,940-dwt Punta Azzurra (built 1986) — to Maritime Bunker, which will deliver all grades of marine fuels.
The new company aims to extend its operations to other ports and possibly acquire or time charter further tonnage.
Anapo already has licences for Savona, Vado Ligure and La Spezia, and has applied for a licence to deliver bunkers in Trieste, which is expected to be granted by the end of August. It may in time hand over some of its other licences to the joint venture, but will retain its exclusive role in Augusta and Ancona.
Bunker Energy, the independent bunker sales arm of FinGo Fuels, will handle the joint venture’s sales and, as a result, expand its activities to more Italian ports. Previously, it handled sales only for Anapo in Augusta, Catania, Brindisi, Ancona, and Civitavecchia.
