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Qatar Petroleum sets up bunkering operations in response to sanctions

Qatar Petroleum sets up bunkering operations in response to sanctions
Qatar Petroleum has launched bunkering operations for vessels calling Qatari ports following sanctions against the country by neighbouring nations.

Qatar Petroleum said the bunkering facility was available from Monday for all vessels carrying Qatari imports and exports. It also said several shipments of bunker fuel oil had arrived at Ras Laffan anchorage. Bunkering operations are managed in cooperation with Qatar Fuel’s (WOQOD) unit WOQOD Marine.

Saad Sherida Al-Kaabi, the president and ceo of Qatar Petroleum said: “due to the unfortunate ongoing crisis, many of our clients were impacted by regional decisions limiting their ability to meet their commitments in a timely and cost-effective manner. We took it upon ourselves to assist our clients overcome this challenge by introducing measures to ensure the continuous and reliable energy supplies.”

Vessels that call Qatari ports have been barred from calling at ports in UAE, Saudi and Bahrain, although the UAE appears to have relaxed sanctions against international vessels calling at Qatari ports bunkering in Fujairah.

“This temporary ship-to-ship fuel bunkering facility will meet our clients’ safety and commercial expectations, and will continue until a permanent solution is implemented. Qatar Petroleum is fast-tracking required studies and investments to provide independent, safe, and reliable bunkering capabilities,” Al-Kaabi added.

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