FLEX Commodities Expands West African Bunker Supply Network with Lomé, Togo

FLEX Commodities FZCO, a Dubai-based marine fuel trading firm, announced the expansion of its physical bunker supply operations in West Africa to Lomé, Togo. The company already had established operations in Namibia and is now adding this new location using the SIRE-approved barge MT CHASER.

Deliveries in Lomé are carried out at the anchorage, generally within 12 nautical miles, subject to approvals from the Togolese Navy and relevant maritime authorities. Unlike Namibia, where the model includes offshore deliveries, operations in Lomé are limited to the anchorage, and vessel operators must appoint local agents for their port calls. The barge MT CHASER, fitted with Yokohama fenders, mainly supplies VLSFO and LSMGO, in compliance with applicable ISO specifications.

Main demand in Lomé comes from bulk carriers, tankers and container ships, as well as offshore and specialized vessels. According to Maaz Ahmed, Head of Trading at FLEX Commodities, Lomé's strategic location is also aimed at serving demand along the Lomé-Abidjan corridor and the West African coast, including offshore areas off Ghana and the Abidjan region, subject to the relevant approvals and operational feasibility.

In Namibia, FLEX Commodities supplies VLSFO and LSMGO through its barge MT SPLENDOUR OPAL, fitted with Palfinger fenders, operating in Walvis Bay and Lüderitz. Between 30% and 35% of deliveries are carried out offshore, within 50 nautical miles of the Port of Walvis Bay, subject to suitable weather conditions and approval from the Namibian Maritime Affairs Directorate. The remaining 65% to 70% take place within the inner harbor limits of Walvis Bay, with Namport's authorization, serving heavy-lift vessels, tankers, bulk carriers, rigs and offshore drilling vessels, among others.

With physical operations already established in Namibia and Lomé, FLEX Commodities aims to keep growing in West Africa by deploying additional barges, which would broaden its geographic reach and its capacity to serve more vessel operators. The company described this expansion as a long-term commitment to building sustainable physical supply capabilities, backed by operational flexibility, strong partnerships and an ongoing focus on customer service.