Danish group Monjasa is aiming to expand its South American bunkering operations with a new office and shipping capacity in Brazil.
Trader Aline Vaz will lead the operation in Rio de Janeiro, the company said.
“Bringing vast experience from the Brazilian bunker industry, [she] will be leading future developments, including establishing the local office and organisation in the Botafogo area,” Monjasa said.
Vaz joined in November last year after nearly eight years at Cockett Marine Oil.
Monjasa has agreed a time charter for the 1,500-cbm barge TWB-250, which is oil-major approved.
The group has been supplying marine fuels by truck only in Brazil, but it said the new barge operation brings additional scale and flexibility.
The company will target offshore operators and shipping organisations.
The overall Brazilian marine fuels market is estimated at between 5m and 6m tonnes per year.
Monjasa already has regional Americas offices in Panama City, Stamford and Houston.
Managing director Rasmus Jacobsen said: “The maritime logistics in Rio de Janeiro can be challenging. This is a true niche market where understanding the local regulations and product flows in detail are prerequisites for running the daily operations.
Making a difference?
“Monjasa’s decision to establish ourselves in Rio de Janeiro comes from a sincere conviction that we can make a difference for offshore operators and shipowners.”
Jacobsen said Monjasa has a history of entering more complex markets in West Africa, the Middle East and Latin America.
“We have been working for several years to meet the demand for more streamlined and transparent marine fuel operations in Rio de Janeiro too,” he said.
Monjasa is positioned among the world’s top 10 global marine fuels suppliers.
The group controls a fleet of 25 tankers and barges, and supplied a total of 5.7m tonnes of fuel products across 700-plus ports in 2021.
