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VPS appoints John MacKenzie as Group Strategic Business Development Manager

MacKenzie will lead the global initiatives aimed at advancing VPS’s partnerships with new and existing strategic clients in his role.

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VPS appoints John MacKenzie as Group Strategic Business Development Manager

Marine fuels testing company VPS on Wednesday (14 February) announced the appointment of John MacKenzie, as the company’s new Group Strategic Business Development Manager. 

In this role, MacKenzie will lead the global initiatives aimed at advancing VPS’s partnerships with new and existing strategic clients. His efforts will play an integral role in the continued leadership of VPS within the testing and advisory space, acting as a focal point for clients.

At the start of his career MacKenzie led business development efforts for a leading on-shore testing and certification business, quickly transitioning into the International Marine space. His specialism transcends client management, Oil Condition Monitoring (OCM) and fuel testing. 

He continued to strengthen his knowledge of the maritime sector, serving time with ExxonMobil Marine Lubricants and latterly as Sales Director within a global ship management and services company. With over a decade of experience managing key maritime accounts and leading business development teams, MacKenzie has developed a deep understanding of how to deliver tangible value to clients and operate as a true partner, in tackling the everchanging demands of the marine industry.

Dr. Malcolm Cooper, VPS CEO, said: “The maritime industry is changing fast with ambitious emissions targets and decarbonisation requirements driving the introduction of new technologies and fuels into the market.”

“In this dynamic landscape, we are very pleased to have John on board to help VPS customers optimise their operations by understanding which new fuels to use and how to adapt to these sustainable business drivers and meet new regulations.”

John MacKenzie, said: “Whilst the industry is rightfully focussed on the path towards Net Zero, we must ensure we do not take our eye off the ball on the operational risks posed by traditional fuels.”

“That said, it’s an evolving landscape, with a variety of legislations and an even wider array of future fuels. VPS leads the way in testing fuels like methanol and marine biofuel, making them a strategic partner for clients in their efforts to Net Zero.  

“I’m incredibly excited to be involved at the sharp end of the industry’s fuel transition. Knowledge and experience are at a premium and VPS holds both, nicely packaged into our advanced Digital Decarbonization platforms: PortStats and Maress. The team is filled with experience and determination and I look forward to adding mine into the mix.”

 

Photo credit: VPS
Published: 15 February, 2024

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Business

Oilmar appoints Shawn Ho to senior bunker trading role in Singapore

Ho has been appointed as the Senior Manager, Business Development and Bunker Trading in Oilmar’s Trading Department.

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July 14, 2026

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Oilmar appoints Shawn Ho to senior bunker trading role in Singapore

UAE-based marine fuel and petroleum products trader Oilmar on Monday (13 July) announced the appointment of Shawn Ho as Senior Manager, Business Development and Bunker Trading in its Trading Department in Singapore.

Ho has more than 15 years of experience in the petroleum industry, including 11 years at Toyota Tsusho Petroleum and four years at Adani Global. His experience covers bunker trading, operations, market analysis and risk management.

“His extensive expertise in commercial trading, strategic negotiations, and developing strong partnerships with suppliers and customers makes him a valuable addition to our team,” the company said in a social media post. 

“As Oilmar continues to expand its global presence and strengthen its position in the marine fuels market, Shawn’s experience, industry insight, and commercial leadership will play an important role in driving our continued growth and delivering value to our customers.”

 

Photo credit: Oilmar
Published: 14 July, 2026

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Business

Seascale Energy hires Soo Yong Koo as Business Development Director in Singapore

In her new role, Koo will focus on supporting customer growth, strengthening commercial partnerships, and helping customers navigate an increasingly complex marine fuels landscape.

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July 14, 2026

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Seascale Energy hires Soo Yong Koo as Business Development Director in Singapore

Seascale Energy, a bunker procurement joint venture of Cargill’s Pure Marine Fuels and Hafnia’s Bunker Alliance, on Friday (10 July) announced the appointment of Soo Yong Koo as the Business Development Director of the company. 

Based at Seascale Energy’s Singapore hub, Koo has more than 25 years of experience in the maritime and energy trading sectors, with expertise in marine fuels, commercial management, business development and customer relations.

She has held senior commercial roles at Trafigura, Mabanaft and BP, with experience spanning physical bunker operations and global sales.

Koo is an active contributor to the marine fuels industry, having served as a Board Member of the International Bunker Industry Association (IBIA), Asia, a member of the Working Group for Marine Fuels under the Singapore Chemical Industry Council (SCIC), and as a member of the Singapore Shipping Association’s (SSA) Marine Fuels Committee.

In her new role, Koo will focus on supporting customer growth, strengthening commercial partnerships, and helping customers navigate an increasingly complex marine fuels landscape. 

The company added that her experience across both conventional and emerging marine fuels aligns closely with Seascale Energy’s ambition to deliver transparent, scalable, and future-ready fuel procurement solutions.

“Soo Yong is highly respected in marine fuels, with 25 years of commercial and operational experience and a strong industry footprint across the IBIA, SCIC and SSA. Her appointment reflects our commitment to strengthening how we serve customers in Asia and beyond as the fuels landscape continues to evolve,” said Peter Grünwaldt and Olivier Josse, Co-CEOs, Seascale Energy.

 

Photo credit: Seascale Energy
Published: 14 July, 2026

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Business

Burando Energies taps Paola Prieto as Senior Bunker Trader for Latin America expansion

In her new role, Prieto will lead Burando Energies’ expansion and commercial efforts in the Latin American market.

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July 8, 2026

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Burando Energies taps Paola Prieto as Senior Bunker Trader for Latin America expansion

European marine fuel supplier Burando Energies on Tuesday (7 July) announced Paola Prieto joining its global trading team as a Senior Bunker Trader.

In her new role, Prieto will lead Burando Energies’ expansion and commercial efforts in the Latin American market. 

She was a bunker trader with Dan-Bunkering from April 2020 to April 2025. 

William Cline, Managing Director of Burando Energies, said: “I am delighted to be working with Paola. She is an exceptional trader who brings great energy, expertise and commercial insight to the team. She knows our business, shares our values and has always placed customers at the centre of everything she does.”

Prieto said: “I am excited to re-enter the bunker industry with the talented team at Burando Energies. I am very happy to bring my experience to an industry I truly enjoy, to strengthen valuable partnerships and to contribute to a market that never stops moving. I look forward to reconnecting with familiar faces and building new relationships across Latin America and beyond.”

 

Photo credit: Burando Energies
Published: 8 July, 2026

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