Tankers International’s new bunker boss Stephen Robinson is prioritising getting the VLCC pool’s current fuel operations in top shape before focusing on energy transition efforts.
The experienced marine fuel executive joined the London operation in October as head of bunker strategy and procurement.
He told the company’s website: “While the shift towards alternative fuels is important, I believe we need to first focus on optimising our existing approach to traditional fuels.”
The strategy will be to use the pool’s collective demand and scale to secure pricing advantages from suppliers, Robinson explained. According to its website, the pool comprises 39 VLCCs.
“With the significant tonnage we handle, particularly in key markets like Singapore where I have strong relationships, we can be more creative with forward pricing and risk management, exploring opportunities beyond just looking for marginal savings from physical suppliers,” he added.
Longer-term, strategic partnerships will be explored to offer more value than just price, Robinson said.
“For instance, we can work with larger suppliers in regions like Singapore, Fujairah and Rotterdam, ensuring we’re ahead of the curve when it comes to transitioning into new fuel technologies,” Robinson said.
“Many of these suppliers are already preparing for alternative fuels and by engaging them early, we can set up test runs and make sure our infrastructure and relationships are in place for when those volumes grow,” he said.
Alternative fuels remain relatively small in terms of the overall tonnage, but the pool is closely monitoring the regulatory landscape.
“However, my immediate focus will be on optimising the 800,000 tonnes we currently manage every year, ensuring we have the best supply strategy in place to serve both our pool members and future expansion,” Robinson said.
Using scale
He pointed to Tankers International’s buyer power as “significant”.
The bunker desk will focus on leveraging this scale to negotiate cheaper fuel, Robinson said.
He has previously worked as managing director for Bomin Bunker Holding and Cockett Marine Oil.
He joined Tankers International from Island Gulf Energy in Dubai, where he worked for eight years.
“I’ve had a relationship with Tankers International for 20 years supplying their vessels in key strategic ports and the TI pool has always stood out as a well-run, highly professional operation,” Robinson said.
“Personally, having spent over 20 years in Dubai, I was thinking about returning to the UK, but knew it would have to be for the right opportunity,” he added.
Some of the pool’s VLCCs have already made successful test runs with biofuels, Robinson said.
He has also noticed a big move towards automation at the company, particularly in data management.
“While platforms for fuel procurement and blockchain-based fuel tracking are starting to appear, the reality is that bunkering, especially with biofuels, remains a complex process.
“There’s a lot of blending involved, which introduces potential issues, so a human element will still be necessary for the foreseeable future,” Robinson argued.
