Staff Reporter
THE capacity of Engen to supply fuel to ships at sea has been greatly enhanced with the acquisition of the services of a special vessel that will be used for fuel bunkering purposes.
With the 2 000 tonne bunkering tanker in its service, the oil company will be able to supply fuel to oil rigs, support services, and offshore passing vessels lying at anchorage in Namibian waters. Engen will be able to render this service from both ports at Walvis Bay and Lüderitz.
Managing Director of Engen in Namibia, Christian Li, said the company is a firm supporter of the Namibian Ports Authority’s vision to attract increased cargo to and from Walvis Bay and position the port as a natural gateway for international trade, by offering direct access to principal shipping routes.
“The service of the Barge MT Sarah is a first for Namibia and a welcome addition to bunkering operations as it will help to decongest berths, offer a much-needed alternative to pipelines and truck delivery and create much-needed employment,” Li said.
Li said that Engen, as a market leader in Namibia, is driven by innovation and always looking for ways to best serve customers.
“Our bunkering service will enhance service offering in both ports, by attracting increased cargo into Southern Africa, which in turn will boost Namibia’s economy and create direct and indirect jobs,” he said.
With many vessels already visiting the ports of Walvis Bay and Lüderitz annually, many more vessels pass without calling into port.
“The introduction of the barge will give Namibia both inshore and offshore, flexible, reliable and efficient supply options. This service will not only allow Engen Namibia to offer more effective bunkering facilities but will also boost the industry as a whole, as Barge MT Sarah is at the disposal of all stakeholders,” Li added.
The Barge MT Sarah bunkering tanker is 77.4 metres long and 10.6 metres wide and has a Gross Tonnage of 1372 tonnes and deadweight of 1975 tonnes. The vessel has a pumping capacity is 200 cubic metres of fuel per hour.
SOURCE: Informanté
https://informante.web.na/barge-enhances-fuel-service-to-ships/
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