Geneva-based Minerva Bunkering is launching new bunkering operations in the Saudi Arabian ports of Jeddah and Yanbu, along with Buenos Aires in Argentina.
The company, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Mercuria Energy Group, said it is deploying a bunker tanker in each of these ports.
In the Saudi Arabian ports the supply system is supported by shoreside bulk storage terminals, according to a statement from Minerva.
"The Red Sea is one of the shipping industry's most important waterways yet one that has historically offered limited bunkering options to serve the global fleet. We believe Minerva's new operation will support the increasing number of vessels calling these ports as well as provide a highly efficient service with minimal deviation for transiting vessels needing bunkers," said Minerva chief executive Tyler Baron.
"We are excited to work with Minerva to expand the scope of bunkering services at the Port of Yanbu to include both domestic and international customers, and this development is in line with the Kingdom's Vision 2030," said Aramco Trading Co chief executive Ibrahim Al Buainain.
Minerva will deploy the 6,300-dwt bunker tankers Halki (built 2011) and Patmos (built 2008) to the Saudi Arabian ports.
The pair are part of a 34-strong bunker fleet owned by the company.
In Argentina Minerva has lined up offtake agreements with local refiners and has time-chartered the 1,700-dwt bunker tanker He Man H (built 2012) from Compania Naviera Horamar, a company closely linked to Navios Logistics, to supply fuel oil to vessels in Buenos Aires and surrounding ports.
