MUSCAT -- Following its acquisition of a licence from Sohar Industrial Port Company (SIPC) to provide the Port with marine bunkering fuel services in January 2010, Oman Oil Marketing Company (omanoil) signed an exclusive agreement with Matrix Marine to establish omanoil Matrix Marine Services LLC.
The new company is a strategic joint venture that will enhance the efficiency of bunkering services at one of the world's largest port development projects. The agreement was signed during a ceremony under the auspices of Maqbool bin Ali Sultan, Minister of Commerce and Industry and Chairman of SIPC at the ministry's Headquarters. Several senior management representatives from omanoil and Matrix Marine were also present.
Omar Ahmed Qatan, CEO of omanoil stated: "As Sohar continues to solidify its position as the business and industrial hub of the Sultanate, we welcome the opportunity to meet the needs of the deep-water port with its expanding terminals along the vital international trade route to and from the Straits of Hormuz. We are confident that our strategic partnership with Matrix Marine will undoubtedly add substantial value to the vast maritime development through our broad experience in the bunkering business."
Kevin Balke, Commercial Manager of Matrix Marine also highlighted that its international background in marine bunkering supply and administration coupled with omanoil's local knowledge and track record of operational efficiency is expected to contribute to the growth of the local maritime trade industry. omanoil Matrix Marine Services LLC will supply Port of Sohar with marine fuels and lubricants.
Throughout all operations, the company will utilise state-of-the-art fuelling methods that are both safe and effective to minimise the risk on human and environmental impact. Omanoil regularly reviews the standards and practices of its carriers to ensure safety, cleanliness and quality, and to monitor its tanker's adherence to maritime regulations twenty-four hours a day. Since its inception, the company has embarked on a journey to achieve a culture of continuous improvement as it continues to expand its diverse service portfolio.
Matrix Marine is a subsidiary of Mabanaft, the trading division of Marquard & Bahls- Hamburg, a leading private and independent petroleum company. Mabanaft's services include the delivery of marine fuels to the international shipping industry including USA, Singapore, South Africa and India.
By Staff Reporter
© Oman Daily Observer 2010
