State-owned petroleum company Qatar Petroleum has launched a ship-to-ship fuel bunkering facility for all vessels calling on Qatari ports as of June 19, on the back of an ongoing crisis related to Qatar.
“Due to the unfortunate ongoing crisis, many of our clients were impacted by regional decisions limiting their ability to meet their commitments in a timely and cost-effective manner. We took it upon ourselves to assist our clients overcome this challenge by introducing measures to ensure the continuous and reliable energy supplies,” Saad Sherida Al-Kaabi, the president and CEO of Qatar Petroleum, said.
This vessel-borne fueling facility is available for all vessels lifting any Qatari seaborne imports or exports. The bunkering operations have commenced after meeting all international maritime and safety standards, the company said.
Additionally, Qatar Petroleum informed that the first of several shipments carrying fuel oil for bunkering purposes has arrived at its Ras Laffan anchorage.
“This temporary ship-to-ship fuel bunkering facility will meet our clients’ safety and commercial expectations, and will continue until a permanent solution is implemented. Qatar Petroleum is fast-tracking required studies and investments to provide independent, safe, and reliable bunkering capabilities,” Al-Kaabi informed.
Qatar Petroleum will be catering for the majority of Qatar’s LNG vessel fleet and provide the service to other clients including Muntajat, Hamad Port, and potential free-on-board (FOB) clients who load products such as crude oil, LPG, condensate and naphtha.