30.11.15. Oil and shipping company Monjasa has started bunker operations at the UK’s Portland Port.
The first bunker was delivered by barge, MT Skaw Provider, to general cargo vessel MV Lagoon Phoenix, directly followed by a delivery to the Greek-owned bulk Carrier MV Star Harmony.
The Portland terminal, which was formerly owned by Aegean Marine Petroleum, is located at the mouth of the western entrance of the European Emission Control Area (ECA) and is expected to help increase overall physical supply in Northern Europe by 300,000 tonnes a year.
Monjasa says it will be able to offer bunker deliveries of all grades, along with crew change and slops disposal services at all European terminals.
“It’s part of the Monjasa Group strategy to strengthen our physical capabilities across Northern Europe. With this move into the English Channel, we are heightening security of supply throughout the area,” said Ricky Kenbjerg, managing director for Monjasa Europe.
CEO of Portland Port, Bill Reeves commented: “We are looking forward to working with PBUK and Monjasa in expanding the bunker operations here at Portland, making this the first port of call for all vessels operating within the English Channel. With minimal deviation Portland Port is a particularly popular location with ship owners and managers looking to undertake in-water repairs or maintenance. The inner harbour is a formally approved location for in-water surveys, with visibility up to 10 meters. Vessels calling for bunkers and in-water services are able to take advantage of the short and direct pilotage, being only 20 minutes to the anchorages and just 30 minutes to the alongside berths.”
