Danish bunker supplier Monjasa has expanded its physical fuel operations in Cartagena, Colombia, announcing that its two local barges have passed inspection under the oil majors’ vetting scheme, according to a LinkedIn post shared with Ship & Bunker.
The barges, Roma 101 (1,340 mt) and Roma 304 (3,640 mt), successfully completed the Barge Inspection Report Programme (BIRE), an initiative run by the Oil Companies International Marine Forum (OCIMF). Ship & Bunker reports that BIRE serves as the barge equivalent of the tanker vetting system SIRE, and passing the inspection confirms the vessels meet standards required to work with major oil companies.
First Full Supply Chain Claim in Colombia
Alongside the barge certification, Monjasa says it has become the first international marine fuels company to manage the entire supply chain within Colombia, according to the report. The company describes this as covering every stage from oil wells and refinery processes through to storage, logistics, and final ship-to-ship deliveries.
“We have become the first international marine fuels company to operate across the full supply chain. From oil wells and refinery processes to storage, logistics and final ship-to-ship deliveries,” said Camilo Angulo Ferrand, trading director for the Americas, in comments shared via LinkedIn and reported by Ship & Bunker. Ferrand, who is based in Panama, added that the company is “putting all of our local knowledge into play and investing significant resources to ensure safe and reliable marine fuels operations across Colombia.”
According to Ship & Bunker, Ferrand and senior trader Sebastián Vásquez are leading the day-to-day operation, with the company crediting the progress to 15 years of relationship-building with customers, suppliers, and local partners in Colombia.
Building on a 2019 Milestone
Monjasa’s presence in Cartagena dates back to October 2019, when the company made its first VLSFO delivery there using two vessels and shore tanks, Ship & Bunker reports. Since then, the supplier has also developed a Colombian biofuel supply chain in partnership with local firms, which it says now moves 5,000 to 7,000 mt per month of B20 and B30 blends, sold primarily to cruise line customers.
Does This Matter to You?
For operators and traders sourcing marine fuel in the Caribbean and Colombian coastal region, expanded barge certification and supply chain control can be a factor in evaluating supplier reliability and delivery options at Cartagena. Vessels calling at the port, including cruise operators already using Monjasa’s biofuel blends, may find this relevant when assessing bunkering logistics or counterparty options in the area. The broader implications for pricing or availability beyond what Monjasa has stated are not addressed in the source material.
Gulf Bunkering does not provide operational or security guidance. This article is for informational purposes only. Operators should consult flag state authorities, P&I clubs, and relevant advisories for decisions relating to transit planning.
Sources: Ship & Bunker
