Monjasa expands US Gulf bunkering operations with new tanker charter

Marine fuels supplier Monjasa on Wednesday (30 October) announced its expansion further into the US Gulf, following five years of maritime operations in the Port of Houston.

As part of this new operation, Monjasa has agreed charter terms for the 16,626 dwt product tanker MT Stenheim, with immediate effect.

Monjasa’s new offshore US Gulf operation focuses primarily on the larger vessel segments across the oil, chemical and gas tankers that cannot necessarily access the bunkering locations in the Houston Ship Channel.

Monjasa expects key supply locations to include Galveston Offshore Lightering Area (GOLA), Southwest Pass (SWP), South Sabine Pass and Offshore Corpus Christi.

As part of the new operation. Monjasa will start supplying Very Low Sulphur Fuel Oil (VLSFO) and Marine Gas Oil (MGO) from the MT Stenheim tanker.

Monjasa is already a well-established shipping partner operating three barges across the Greater Houston Area and currently delivering 35,000 to 40,000 metric tonnes (mt) of marine fuels monthly.

The firm added that the Port of Houston continues to grow its importance as trade gateway for the state of Texas, and the U.S. as a whole, and recent years of infrastructure developments have led to more larger vessels calling the port and increased cargo volumes.

Besides this added flexibility for shipowners, Monjasa also highlights the importance of product quality across the US Gulf area, as the company continues sourcing its fuel products from vetted major suppliers only.

Trading Manager Americas, Anastasios Manalis, said: “We are building on our local knowledge and strong supplier partnerships to add further flexibility for the increasing ship traffic in the area.”

“Besides getting the logistics right, we are well aware that the marine fuel quality continues to be an important parameter in the US Gulf area.”

“By seizing ownership across sourcing, shipping and supply, we will match the increasing demand for multiple product testing and bring the highest possible fuel quality standard to the offshore US Gulf too.”

Facts about MT Stenheim

MT Stenheim is SIRE vetted and brings an experienced crew when it comes to handling ship-to-ship bunkering operations in the US Gulf environment.

• IMO: 92611114
• Flag: Gibraltar
• DWT: 16,626
• Year built: 2003
• LOA: 144m
• Beam: 23m

Photo credit: Monjasa
Published: 1 November, 2024