Energy and commodities trading group BGN has initiated its first retail marine bunkering operation within the United States. The company has collaborated with Centerline Logistics Corporation, a Houston-based marine petroleum transportation firm, to charter two new barges, the *Jackson Eades* and *MGI 2100*.
This new business will provide high sulphur fuel oil (HSFO), very low sulphur fuel oil (VLSFO), and marine gas oil (MGO) to ships calling at various ports along the US Gulf Coast. Initially, the service will cater to BGN's proprietary and chartered fleet of approximately 40 LPG vessels. Subsequently, the bunkering solutions will become available to third-party shipowners operating in the region.
For freight forwarders and operations managers, the introduction of a new bunkering supplier in the US Gulf Coast region could lead to increased competition among fuel providers. This might potentially offer more diverse pricing options and improved availability for vessels, which could indirectly influence vessel scheduling and operational costs for carriers, and ultimately, freight rates. Having more reliable and competitive bunkering services can contribute to better schedule adherence for vessels transiting or calling at US Gulf ports.
