Global oil and shipping company Monjasa has commenced bunkering operations at Portland, a small commercial and passenger port in Dorset on the south coast of the UK.

Bought from Aegean Marine Petroleum, the new bunkering operation is designed to build on Portland’s strategic location at the western entrance of the North Europe Emission Control Area (ECA), and is expected to bunker 300,000 tonnes of fuel annually.

"It's part of the Monjasa Group strategy to strengthen our physical capabilities across Northern Europe,” said Ricky Kenbjerg, Monjasa Europe md. “With this move into the English Channel, we are heightening security of supply throughout the area.”

Bunker barge MT Skaw Provided the first delivery to general cargo vessel MV Lagoon Phoenix, which was followed by a delivery to Greek-owned bulker MV Star Harmony.

The development adds to the port’s capability, which has so far been limited to lay-ups, maintenance, small industrial cargo shipments and cruise dockings. “We are looking forward to expanding the bunker operations here at Portland, making Portland the first port of call for all vessels operating within the English Channel,” said port ceo Bill Reeves.