FLEX Commodities expands West African physical bunker supply operations to Togo

Dubai-based bunker trading firm FLEX Commodities FZCO (FLEX) on Wednesday (21 October) said it is strengthening its physical bunker supply presence in West Africa, with established operations in Namibia and newly operational supplies at Lomé, Togo. 

Through its dedicated bunker barges and local partnerships, FLEX is building a regional supply platform designed to serve a diverse range of vessels operating along the West African coastline.

Building on its Namibian experience, FLEX has expanded its physical bunker supply operations to Lomé, Togo, where deliveries are conducted at Lomé Anchorage, typically within 12 nautical miles, subject to the necessary approvals from the Togolese Navy and relevant maritime authorities.

The operation is supported by MT CHASER, a SIRE-approved bunker barge fitted with Yokohama fenders. The barge primarily supplies VLSFO and LSMGO, with FLEX committed to delivering fuel meeting the applicable ISO specifications.

Unlike Namibia, where approved offshore deliveries form part of the operating model, FLEX’s Lomé operations are conducted at anchorage. Vessel operators are required to appoint local agents for their calls, in accordance with the applicable local requirements.

Lomé’s principal bunker demand comes from bulk carriers, tankers and container liners, alongside offshore and other specialised vessels. Its strategic location also supports FLEX’s wider ambition to serve vessel demand across the Lomé–Abidjan corridor and the wider West African coastline, including offshore areas off Ghana and the Abidjan region, subject to applicable authorisations and operational feasibility.

In Namibia, FLEX Commodities supplies VLSFO and LSMGO through its SIRE-approved bunker barge, MT SPLENDOUR OPAL, equipped with Palfinger fenders.

Since commencing operations in Walvis Bay and Lüderitz, FLEX has developed a flexible supply model covering both offshore and sheltered port operations, subject to the relevant authorisations, operational requirements and weather conditions.

Approximately 30 to 35% of FLEX’s bunker deliveries have been completed offshore, within 50 nautical miles of Walvis Bay Port, subject to suitable weather conditions and official approvals from Namibia’s Directorate of Maritime Affairs.

The remaining approximately 65 to 70% of deliveries have been conducted within Walvis Bay’s Inner Port Limits, in the sheltered area, with the required approvals from Namport. This dual operating model provides flexibility in serving vessels while accounting for local port requirements and prevailing conditions.

FLEX’s Namibian operations cater to a diverse range of vessel calls, including heavy-lift ships, specialised vessels, tankers, bulk carriers, offshore drilling vessels, rigs and other vessels with specific operational requirements.

With physical operations established in Namibia and Lomé, FLEX Commodities is positioning itself for further growth across West Africa. 

The company plans to expand its regional footprint through the deployment of additional bunker barges, extending its geographical reach and strengthening its ability to serve a broader range of vessel operators.

“By combining dedicated marine assets, locally coordinated operations and a focus on fuel quality, FLEX aims to develop a dependable physical bunker supply network across a region with diverse vessel traffic and evolving marine fuel requirements,” the company said. 

“FLEX Commodities sees its West African expansion as a long-term commitment to building sustainable physical supply capabilities, supported by operational flexibility, strong partnerships and a continued focus on customer service.”

Related: FLEX Commodities launches physical bunker supply operations in Namibia

Photo credit: FLEX Commodities FZCO
Published: 21 October, 2026