Royal Vopak has entered into a long-term agreement with A.P. Moller – Maersk for the launch of a 0.5% sulphur fuel bunkering facility in Rotterdam.
The project plays a “key role” in providing A.P. Moller – Maersk with supply chain assurance looking at both quality and quantity of the compliant fuel. This commitment with Vopak prepares A. P. Moller – Maersk for the paradigm-shift of the 2020 IMO rules on sulphur, which will be a “game changer” for the entire industry.
As an anchor tenant in the modified facilities this agreement will enable Maersk, as well as any other interested third parties, to supply vessels trading with and inside Europe with compliant fuel. “We trust that this initiative will put to rest some of the concerns the industry has on fuel availability as well as secure our continued competitiveness in the market,” said Niels Henrik Lindegaard, Head of Maersk Oil Trading, a division of A.P. Moller – Maersk.
This first joint initiative, which will cater for circa 20% of Maersk global demand, will enable A.P. Moller – Maersk to deliver approximately 2.3mt per year.
Member States within the International Maritime Organization, IMO, recently recognised that there are still some reservations and challenges relating to fuel handling and compatibility and this project plays a key role in providing A.P. Moller – Maersk with supply chain assurance looking at both quality and quantity of the compliant fuel. The facility, at Vopak Terminal Europoort, allows A.P. Moller – Maersk safely blending, storing and handling different fuel types to ensure full compliance with the 0,5% sulphur cap.
For more information, visit: www.maersk.com
22nd August 2017
