Genoa-based Bunker Energy is promoting the port of Augusta as a leading hub for low sulphur fuel bunkering for ships sailing cross-Med.
“To achieve this goal, the company initiated a marketing and sales campaign targeted especially for clients who have, until recently, opted to supply their ships in alternative ports” said Tommaso Panzeri, Bunker Energy’s marketing and sales manager.
The Italian bunker trader is finalising the logistics with barges and a terminal to assure consistency of availability and deliveries of compliant fuels well before the January 1, 2020. The first batch of 0.5% fuel has already been brought in last week but it will not be available for sale soon, not until all lines and pumps have been properly flushed to avoid any contamination from other higher sulphur fuels. The product is straight from a refinery in the north of Italy.
“We are deciding the pricing structure which will apply and we plan to start offering for compliant fuels by the end of Q3 or earlier for those clients who decide to agree on contractual terms. For years, Augusta has been by far the largest petrochemical hub in Italy,” Panzeri said.
Similar steps are being taken by Energy Bunker also in Civitavecchia, where there is a situation comparable to Augusta in terms of tankage volume but volumes expected are much higher due to the number of ropax and cruise vessels calling regularly at the port.
