Business

Trafigura forms bunkering JV with Frontline and Golden Ocean

JV will act as exclusive purchaser of marine fuels for Trafigura, Frontline, Golden Ocean and certain entities.

Published

7 years ago

August 13, 2019

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Commodities trading house Trafigura Group on Tuesday (13 August) entered into a non-binding term sheet agreement with shipping firms Frontline Ltd. and Golden Ocean Group Limited to establish a leading global supplier of marine fuels.

Frontline and Golden Ocean will respectively acquire 15% and 10% interests in the joint venture (JV) company, while Trafigura will contribute its existing physical bunkering activities to the new entity.

Subject to agreement on final terms, the JV is expected to commence operations in the third quarter of 2019, and will act as the exclusive purchaser of marine fuels for Trafigura, Frontline and Golden Ocean, as well as certain entities affiliated with Hemen Holding Ltd, Frontline and Golden Ocean’s largest shareholder.

“Today’s announcement represents a further progression in the development of Trafigura’s response to the challenges and opportunities the impending IMO 2020 regulation will present,” commented Jeremy Weir, Trafigura’s Executive Chairman and CEO.

“We look forward to providing an essential service to our clients and working closely with Frontline and Golden Ocean to grow this venture into one of the world’s leading suppliers of marine fuels in the coming years.”

Kenneth Dam, Trafigura’s Co-Head of Bunkering added: “Over the past 24 months, Trafigura has been growing its physical bunkering business worldwide.”

“We believe that marine fuel market disruptions will be brought on by the implementation of IMO 2020 regulations and that the JV’s increased base volumes and greater access to both infrastructure and credit will provide increasingly competitive bunkering supply services to our customers.

“We are confident in our ability to supply quality products at competitive prices to the fleets controlled by the JV partners as well as to third party shipowners and operators.”

Robert Hvide Macleod, CEO of Frontline Management AS and Birgitte Ringstad Vartdal, CEO of Golden Ocean Management AS jointly commented: “It is anticipated that IMO 2020 will create logistical marine fuel supply issues for shipowners globally.”

“In addition to presenting a compelling economic opportunity, our participation in the JV will ensure our ability to source and acquire marine fuels at competitive prices on a continuous basis.

“This transaction represents yet another instance where we have been able to leverage our relationship with other entities of Hemen Holding Ltd to create significant economies of scale and a real competitive advantage.

“We look forward to working with Trafigura, our JV partner, to create one of the world’s leading suppliers of marine fuels.”

Published: 14 August, 2019

LNG Bunkering

Singapore: Eastern Pacific Shipping hits 700 LNG bunkering milestone

Since commencing LNG bunkering operations in November 2020, the company said it has completed a total LNG bunkering volume of 2,920,191 cubic metres.

Published

10 hours ago

August 18, 2026

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Singapore: Eastern Pacific Shipping hits 700 LNG bunkering milestone

Singapore-based shipping firm Eastern Pacific Shipping (EPS) on Monday (17 August) said the company has successfully completed its 700th LNG bunkering operation, carried out for vehicle carrier Lake Victoria in Emden, Germany.

Since commencing LNG bunkering operations in November 2020, the company said it has completed a total LNG bunkering volume of 2,920,191 cubic metres (m3).

“Reaching 700 LNG bunkering operations reflects not only the scale of our investment in alternative-fuel capabilities, but also the experience, coordination and commitment of our teams at sea and ashore,” EPS said in a social media post.

“As we continue to grow and diversify our fleet, every operation adds to the practical experience needed to support shipping’s energy transition.”

Manifold Times previously reported the company completed a total of 530 LNG bunkering operations with over 2.4 million m3 of LNG bunkered, from the start of recorded data to 31 Dec 2025.

In its 2026 ESG Report, EPS said its fleet is among the largest dual-fuel fleets in the industry, with over 170 vessels designed to operate on alternative fuels.

In 2025, 25% of the fuel consumed by EPS fleet were alternative marine fuels, including LNG, LPG, ethane, and biofuels.

Photo credit: Eastern Pacific Shipping
Published: 18 August, 2026

LNG Bunkering

Yang Ming dual-fuel vessel completes first SIMOPS LNG bunkering operation in Shanghai

“YM Willpower” successfully received around 2,000 mt of LNG alongside active cargo handling, significantly enhancing operational efficiency during the port call.

Published

10 hours ago

August 18, 2026

Admin

Yang Ming dual-fuel vessel completes first SIMOPS LNG bunkering operation in Shanghai

Taiwanese shipping firm Yang Ming Marine Transport Corporation (Yang Ming) on Monday (17 August) said its 15,500 TEU LNG dual-fuel vessel, YM Willpower, successfully completed its first-ever LNG bunkering operation via SIMOPS (Simultaneous Operations) at the Port of Shanghai.

Through close collaboration with Shanghai International Port (Group) and SIPG Energy Shanghai, the vessel successfully received around 2,000 metric tonnes (mt) of LNG alongside active cargo handling, significantly enhancing operational efficiency during the port call.

With LNG dual-fuel technology, the company said it is continuing to expand alternative-fuel bunkering capabilities, enhance operational flexibility and efficiency and advance lower-carbon shipping solutions.

Manifold Times previously reported YM Willpower completing its first bunkering operation in Singapore.

In 2026, Yang Ming will progressively introduce newly built 15,500 TEU class container vessels primarily fueled by liquefied natural gas (LNG) into its operating fleet.

The lead vessel, YM Willpower, completed partial LNG bunkering at the shipyard prior to delivery and was officially deployed on 8 February into Yang Ming’s Far East–Mediterranean MD2 service.

Photo credit: Yang Ming Marine Transport Corporation
Published: 18 August, 2026

Methanol

Fratelli Cosulich launches methanol-ready bunker tanker in China

Designed with MarineLINE-coated cargo tanks and methanol readiness from the outset, “Carlotta Cosulich” combines operational flexibility with future-fuel readiness.

Published

10 hours ago

August 18, 2026

Admin

Fratelli Cosulich launches methanol-ready bunker tanker in China

Genoa-based marine fuel supplier Fratelli Cosulich on Monday (17 August) announced the launch of its new methanol-ready bunker IMO II tanker, Carlotta Cosulich.

The launch of Carlotta Cosulich, the third of four sister vessels, took place at Taizhou Maple Leaf Shipyard in China, bringing together the project team, partners and stakeholders.

Silvia Bordon, General Manager, served as the vessel’s godmother during the ceremony.

“Designed with MarineLINE-coated cargo tanks and methanol readiness from the outset, Carlotta Cosulich combines operational flexibility with future-fuel readiness,” the company said in a statement.

Equipped with a five-tonne cargo crane and dedicated arrangements for Single Point Mooring (SPM) operations further enhances her versatility across a wider range of bunkering operations.

“Following the successful delivery of her two sister vessels, she brings us one step closer to completing this four-vessel programme and reinforces Fratelli Cosulich Group’s commitment to safety, innovation, sustainability and operational excellence,” the company added.

Photo credit: Fratelli Cosulich
Published: 18 August, 2026