  Our Approach
Bunkers International has been providing bunkering services in Colombia for over 12 years. Through our joint venture with Vanoil, S.A., called BunkersOil Colombia, we provide a variety of marine fuel products in all the key ports in Colombia. Our goal is to have the highest quality marine fuel products, delivered with the most efficient and safe process, by the most experienced people, at a fair price.
Products
At Bunkers International, our main products are high quality straight-run residual fuel oil which features low metals and minerals; and we blend with diesel oil only. As sulphur restrictions become reality worldwide, Bunkers International is meeting the challenge. We have available IFO 380 cSt with a typical sulphur content of 1.5%, 150 – 170 ppm of Vanadium, and 13 MCR. All other specifications are well within ISO standards. Additionally, all our products and deliveries are Marpol 73/78 Annex IV compliant. Our European customers’ vessels return to Europe with SECA compliant fuel.
For vessels that can accommodate the viscosity, Bunkers International can provide a 500 cSt that meets ISO specifications, having a maximum of 1.5% sulphur, at a price below our 380 cSt products.
For vessels with specialized requirements, we operate on-board computerized blending systems on all our barges, enabling us to develop unique viscosity solutions for customers who require them.
Process
Many marine fuel buyers focus primarily on price and don’t evaluate their supplier’s ability to deliver the fuel ordered. This can sometimes leave them disappointed in the results and cost them more money if a delivery is late, off specification, delivered too slowly or not at all due to equipment failure. We believe execution is critical to a successful bunker delivery, and we recommend that customers carefully consider the following before committing to a supplier:
- Is the supplier well-established and well-connected in the local market?
- Does the supplier offer sufficient credit and payment terms?
- Does the supplier comply with all local laws and regulations?
- Does the supplier have redundant equipment in the event of equipment failure?
- Does the supplier have sufficient fuel stocks to meet their committed delivery date?
- Does the supplier have an excellent safety record and do their barges carry environmental safety equipment?
- Does the supplier operate quality delivery equipment that has the ability to transfer at an appropriate rate?
- Does the supplier have equipment and processes to accurately blend bunker products and well trained personnel to operate it?
- Does the supplier have a dedicated source of supply, so that they always have fuel when your ship comes in?
Bunkers International has invested greatly in our bunker supply process and has the solutions and infrastructure required to meet the challenges posed above.
Bunkers International owns five bunker barges ranging from 1000 metric tons (mt) - 5000 mt. The company also operates three additional barges, with a total capacity of approximately 11,000 tons of marine fuel. All of our barges have a minimum of two pumps, and most have four or more for redundancy and increased pumping capacity. We conduct in-line drip sampling on each delivery and regularly test our products to insure they meet and exceed industry standards.
We are the only supplier in Colombia with any significant shore side storage having more than 100,000 bbls capacity. Our storage assures our customers that we always have fuel available and helps maintain our quality controls.
To insure quality, the BunkersOil team uses state of the art computer programs as well as extensive hands-on training programs for all of our crew, who are the most experienced in Colombia. Our exclusive blending software is used on all of our barges. This system has the ability to simulate the entire pipeline and tank infrastructure on our barges. Our crews are able to run a simulation on any blend scenario before making the customer’s fuel blend. To protect the environment, all of our barges carry booms, absorption pads, spill cleaning chemicals, as well as boats used for boom deployment. We conduct regular safety drills and training to keep our staff up-to-date on procedures. In addition, BunkersOil Colombia has pollution insurance of 500 Million USD.
Bunkers International and BunkersOil team members are available to insure that deliveries go as planned. In-country staffing is maintained at high levels to insure that our team is ready to handle any issues that arise.
People
Bunkers International and BunkersOil are both staffed with industry veterans who bring with them a broad range of experience in all aspects of the bunkering business. The majority of our employees bring with them decades of relevant experience, having worked as physical suppliers, terminal operators, and aboard ships. The local Colombian team is made up of engineers, managers, former navy officers and tanker men who work closely with the trading and operation teams in Orlando to insure that each delivery is performed safely and on-time. Bunkers International provides ongoing training to all of our employees to keep them up on the latest industry regulations, local procedures and local laws. Our team will settle for nothing but the best for our customers.
Price
Bunkers International pricing in Colombia is generally better than all other options in the Caribbean and better than most U.S. ports. Depending on the volume and the markets, prices can be competitive with the U.S. Gulf. Buenaventura pricing is generally better than most of the ports to the south, from Ecuador to Chile, and depending on the volume and market conditions often better than Panama.
Bunkers International monitor’s prices globally and notifies our customers of prices and trends as needed. Our goal is to provide the highest quality product at a very fair price, with an ontime and efficient delivery.
Bunkering Locations
Colombian ports are becoming important bunkering locations, including a growing business for “bunker only calls”. Colombia has a democratically elected government, a growing economy, and a free trade agreement with the United States. The U.S. state department reports that security has improved markedly in Colombia’s key commerce centers over the past few years, citing Cartagena and Barranquilla as examples. Bunkers International is the leading supplier of marine fuel in Colombia, supplying in the ports of Cartagena, Barranquilla, Santa Marta, and Buenaventura.
Our Colombian business has increased due to our excellent fuel quality, on time service, and our competitive prices. Bunkers International is able to offer “bunker only” deliveries inclusive of all port charges and fuel charges on one invoice. This helps make the choice for Colombia bunkers only calls an attractive one.
Over recent years there have been major improvements in the Cartagena port, our largest fueling location. Cartagena has changed to a 365/24 schedule in the port, keeping it always open. The Colombian port authority has also increased security and services through out the port. The Cartagena Port Authority has dredged all the main channels, enabling Bunkers International to handle bunkers only calls for Aframax size vessels.
Bunkers International is also the main supplier of IFOs on Colombia's Pacific Ocean coast. We provide all blends of IFOs by barge in the port of Buenaventura Colombia. Our product is the same high quality, low sulfur product that we sell in Cartagena, Barranquilla, and Santa Marta.
Getting Started
To engage Bunkers International, click on the "Contact Us" link below to reach our regional sales office or go to the company's homepage to make an inquiry. Our team will be glad to help you get the fuel you need to keep your ships moving. |
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