World Bunkering > News > Industry News > Thames Estuary bunkers-only service starts

Grindrod group’s wholly-owned subsidiary Cockett Marine Oil says shipping operators and owners have reacted “extremely positively” to the news that it is to start a new bunkers-only service for ships transiting the English Channel. From Monday 30 August, Cockett Marine Oil will be start  quoting firm prices for fuel oils for delivery from 1 September when the new service officially starts.

Since the service was announced in late July, Cockett’s team at its UK head office and its seven other international offices have been meeting with major ship owners and operators around the globe. The company says: “ 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: “We have been delighted to receive such positive feedback and have been promised strong support, especially from European shipping companies. The message we are hearing loud and clear is 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.”

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