Egypt awards its first bunkering licence for international firms to Minerva Bunkering
- Published
by Admin
Egypt has awarded the first licence to international companies for bunkering ships in the Egyptian ports to Minerva Bunkering, according to the country’s Ministry of Petroleum and Mineral Resources on Sunday (14 May).
Minerva will start providing its services of refuelling vessels in the Port Said, a port city located in the northeastern part of the country, on the Mediterranean Sea at the northern gate of the Suez Canal. It is the second most important harbour in Egypt.
Minister of Petroleum and Mineral Resources Tarek El Molla was present to award the licence to Minerva.
He said the awarding of the first licence is the beginning of a series of initiatives in enhancing the value of Egyptian ports and the Suez Canal.
The ministry said it should be noted that the national committee appointed to establish an updated system for marine refuelling services has offered international companies the chance to apply for the licence in providing services in Egyptian ports. This will include four licences; two on the Red Sea and another two on the Mediterranean.
The committee reviewed current marine refuelling operations that were available in Port Said before deciding to award the first licence to Minerva, says the ministry.
During the meeting between government officials and the Minerva delegation, the firm presented its businesses in the fields of fuel and product supplies, bunker fuels and low-carbon solutions.
El Molla then stressed the importance of building successful partnerships in this framework to achieve the ministry’s strategic goals in providing specialised services and transition into sustainable operations.
He added the oil sector in the country offered great opportunities for further cooperation and in attracting investments as well as global companies.
The Minerva delegation expressed gratitude in obtaining the licence and their awareness of the importance of Egypt and providing exceptional refuelling services.
They also conveyed the company’s readiness to study more investment opportunities in line with its diverse businesses, offered by the ministry and the Egyptian market.
Note: The above article was translated from Arabic, which is the original language of the statement by the Ministry of Petroleum and Mineral Resources of Egypt.
Photo credit: Ministry of Petroleum and Mineral Resources of Egypt
Published: 19 May, 2023
