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Sohar Port Freezone’s has expanded its offshore refuelling operations for ships calling at the Omani port, with the addition of a 6,000 megaton barge to its fleet.
Omanoil Matrix Marine Services (MXO), a joint venture between Germany’s Matrix Marine Holding and Oman Oil, has also announced plans to offer ex-pipe fuel deliveries to the port’s main liquid bulk terminal.
As part of the new service a 500m3 gasoil barge will extend the company’s refuelling reach to all areas of the port, increasing efficiency and streamlining ship movements within the port.
Sohar executive commercial manager, Edwin Lammers, welcomed the news, as the port continues to align its $15bn marine infrastructure with that of Muscat’s 40-year old Port Sultan Qaboos.
“MXO are one of the leading providers of refuelling services and have built a global network of operations in Houston, Singapore, India, and Oman,” he commented.
“The addition of intermediate fuel oil and gasoil barges to their fleet will give us a tremendous boost and we are naturally delighted they have chosen to do so.”
The ex-pipe fuel deliveries will be provided through a 43,000cbm storage agreement with the Port’s liquid bulk terminal, managed by Oiltanking Odfjell.
