Omanoil Matrix Marine Adds Three Barges To Enhance Bunker Capabilities At Port Of Sohar

Muscat, June 2011

Omanoil Matrix Marine Services (MXO), a strategic joint venture between Oman Oil Marketing Company SAOG and Matrix Marine Holding GmbH, has enhanced its delivery capacity with the addition of three approved barges to supply marine fuel oil (RMG 380) at the Port of Sohar to cater for the growing bunker fuel requirements for vessels calling at the Port. Since the company’s founding in April 2010, MXO has been performing many fuel deliveries to shipping customers for RMG 380 and marine gasoil (DMA). MXO will continue to be an active supplier in line with increasing bunker fuel demand at the port.

“The coming together of two like-minded organizations, each with its own unique set of strengths, has cemented our position as a trusted partner of choice in the marine bunkering business. As a result, we have a very competitively priced proposition in comparison to neighboring ports that combines technical knowhow with timely physical delivery services,” stated Omar Ahmed Qatan, CEO of Oman Oil Marketing Company. “In a short span of 15 months, we have established our bunker operation and remain confident that our services will attract additional traffic to the Port of Sohar.”

He added, “Quality and HSSE serve as the cornerstone of our business approach and operations and we aim to minimize human risks and adverse environmental impacts.”

Since 2007, the Port of Sohar has witnessed a steady growth in vessel traffic from 556 to an estimated 1,104 vessel calls at the end of 2010 according to the latest data published by the port.

MXO is equipped to deliver RMG 380 by barge to the full spectrum of vessels calling at the Port of Sohar, ranging from local and international cargo vessels, fishing boats, passenger ferries to large tankers. All products meet ISO 8217:2005 specification and Marpol 73/78 Annex VI guidelines.