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New English Channel Bunkers-Only Service ready to go live

New English Channel Bunkers-Only Service ready to go live Shipping operators and owners have reacted extremely positively to the news that Cockett Marine Oil (100% owned subsidiary of the Grindrod group) is to start a new bunkers-only service for ships transiting the English Channel. From Monday 30 August, Cockett Marine Oil will be able to quote 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. 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 20 mins East, the new service will be provided from three anchorage positions and offers the advantage of a very sheltered and deep water location. It has been facilitated using the combined experience and expertise of various Grindrod Group companies, including Unicorn Shipping and the Rotterdam based bunker supplier Associated Bunkeroil Contractors. Details of the new Cockett Marine bunkers-only service can be obtained by visiting: www.cockettgroup.com