Engen’s new barge enhances ports
By Hilary Mare
PETROLEUM company, Engen has enhanced bunkering supply in Namibia by acquiring the exclusive services of a 2000 MT Barge which has been made available to rigs, support services and offshore passing vessels for the bunkering of Gasoil (10 parts per million and 500 parts per million) at the ports of Walvis Bay and Lüderitz.
Engen states that the introduction of the barge will give Namibia both inshore and offshore flexible, reliable and efficient supply options.
Managing Director of Engen in Namibia, Christian Li, says the company is a firm supporter of Namport’s vision to attract increased cargo to the Port of Walvis Bay and position the Walvis Bay Corridor as a natural gateway for international trade, by offering direct access to principal shipping routes.
“The service of the Barge MT Sarah is a first for Namibia and a welcome addition to bunkering operations as it will help to decongest berths, offer a much-needed alternative to pipelines and truck delivery, and create much-needed employment,” adds Li.
The Port of Walvis Bay is situated on Africa’s south-western coast, and as such, is a convenient and fast transit route, connecting southern Africa, Europe, Asia and the Americas.
Located further south, the Port of Lüderitz, caters for Namibia’s southern regions and provides access to South African markets in the Northern Cape.
“As a market leader in Namibia, Engen is driven by innovation and always looking for ways to best serve our customers,” continues Li.
“Our bunkering service will enhance both port’s service offering, by attracting increased cargo into Southern Africa, which in turn will boost Namibia’s economy and create direct and indirect jobs.”
With many vessels already visiting the ports of Walvis Bay and Lüderitz annually, many more vessels pass without calling into port.
“This service will not only allow Engen Namibia to offer more effective bunkering facilities but will also boost the industry as a whole, as Barge MT Sarah is at the disposal of all stakeholders.”
The Barge MT Sarah is 77.4 metres long and 10.6 metres wide and has a gross tonnage of 1372 tonnes and a deadweight of 1975 tonnes.
Pumping capacity is 200m³/hr.
Engen is an oil company focusing on the downstream refined petroleum products’ market and related businesses.