Singapore-based Synergy Asia Bunkering expands operations to Cambodia with representative office
- Published
by Admin
Singapore-based Synergy Asia Bunkering recently expanded regional operations with a representative office at Port Autonome de Sihanoukville (PAS) of Cambodia, learned bunkering publication Manifold Times.
The facility established for marketing SAB’s local services is supported by two staff members, shared Steven Low, Head of Trading, who added the company would personally fly in staff to supervise marine refuelling operations as well.
When ready, SAB will be offering a wide range of services including bunkers, fresh water, deslopping, provisions, agency and lubricants, from PAS in Cambodia.
“The Thai government recently revived the Kra Canal project by proposing a landbridge and as a physical supplier in South Vietnam it would be a natural step to expand operations to Cambodia as it is our neighbour,” explained Mr Low, who was keen to capture the bunker supply volume when the canal is ready.
“Bunker supply information for the Cambodia market is limited. As a Singapore-based bunkering firm, we hope to bring in supply standards at the republic for capturing trust from shipowners/operators for marine fuel supply in Cambodia, similar to what we are already doing in Vietnam.”
According to Mr Low, marine fuel material in Cambodia is mainly imported from Asia and duty paid; SAB is currently exploring with relevant officials on potential value-added tax (VAT) issues for current bunkering operations at PAS.
“Amongst challenges to operate a bunker supply company in Cambodia include issues with bureaucracy, taxation, operational knowhow and relevant permit application from local port authorities – all of which we have explored and gain valuable insight in 2023.”
He highlighted SAB has, however, been operating at the Cambodian port of Sihanoukville since [2020] where it mainly supplies bunker fuel to naval vessels and cruise lines, together with small marine gas oil (MGO) parcels to passing containerships.
Mr Low was honoured to share SAB was the bunkering firm who stepped in to supply marine fuel to MV Westerdam – a cruise ship with 2,257 people onboard which spent two weeks at sea looking for a port at which to dock during the covid period of June 2020 – at Sihanoukville port.
SAB currently offers high sulphur fuel oil (HSFO) and low sulphur MGO by truck at Sihanoukville port, with plans for deliveries via barge in the works to support future PAS activities.
Related: Singapore-based trading firm Synergy Asia Bunkering opens for business
Photo credit: Synergy Asia Bunkering
Published: 2 January 2024
Related Topics:
