Freight Transport

Grindrod's subsidiary Cockett Marine Oil is to start a new bunkers-only service for ships transiting the English Channel

From Monday August 30th, Cockett Marine Oil will be able to quote firm prices for fuel oils for delivery from September 1st when the new service officially starts

Since the service was announced in late July, Cockett's team has been meeting with major ship owners and operators around the world, and a healthy level of enquiries has already been received from a number of potential users of the service

Karl Beeson, managing director at Cockett Group, said that feedback indicates that the industry has been waiting for an alternative bunkers-only facility serving the English Channel and at the entrance to the North Sea

"The two key commercial factors driving interest in the service are competitive pricing and that it requires a diversion of only one to two hours from the shipping lanes As a result we will be able to compete head-to-head with existing facilities in the English Channel, and also with other major international bunkers-only supply centres," said Beeson

Sitting on one of the world's busiest trading routes, and located approximately on 51deg 28min North/1 deg 20 mins East, the new service will be provided from three anchorage positions and offers the advantage of a very sheltered and deep water location

The service has been facilitated using the combined experience and expertise of various Grindrod Group companies, including Unicorn Shipping and the Rotterdam based bunker supplier Associated Bunkeroil Contractors