Singapore-based marine fuels supplier TFG Marine is expanding its operational footprint in the Caribbean with a foray into the bunkering market in Venezuela. In a partnership with local bunker supplier Impordiesel, the company will offer a range of marine fuels at several strategic ports throughout the country.

TFG Marine is a global joint venture between commodity trading group Trafigura and tanker owners Frontline and CMB. Tech, will offer three types of marine fuel, very low sulphur fuel oil (VLSFO), low sulphur marine gas oil (LSMGO) and high sulphur fuel oil (HSFO).

The new service will connect nine key ports and locations: Amuay, Puerto La Cruz, La Guaira, Guanta, Maracaibo, Puerto Cabello, El Guamache, José and the Boca de la Serpiente area. In particular, La Guaira is cited as the biggest port in Venezuela.

Physical fuel deliveries will be supported by local knowledge

Impordiesel, which already provides bunker supply services in Venezuela, will handle the operational side of the agreement. According to information on its website, the company supplies marine fuels directly to vessels via bunker tankers and also provides ship-to-ship bunkering services.

This local partnership will allow TFG Marine to benefit from its international supply network coupled with Impordiesel’s local presence and operational knowledge of the Venezuelan market.

The expansion is a major step forward in TFG Marine’s Latin American operations and gives the supplier access to important energy shipping routes and major refining hubs in South America.

More flexibility for vessels sailing the southern Caribbean

The company’s arrival in Venezuela is expected to give ship operators more logistical options in the southern Caribbean and northern coast of South America.

Operating in the country can be complicated by regulatory requirements and infrastructure-related challenges. So, TFG Marine is using Impordiesel’s local capabilities to assist with bunker coordination and to simplify the organisation of fuel deliveries in this operating environment.

The move therefore strengthens the company’s regional presence and gives shipowners and vessel operators better access to supplies of marine fuel at strategically located Venezuelan ports.