Gulfstream Energy, one of nine companies collectively awarded the R 15.5bn Transnet contract at the end of 2013, has successfully completed its first fuel deliveries to the ports of Richards Bay, Durban, East London and Saldanha. The Gulfstream Energy portion of the tender, will see the delivery of significant quantities of fuel to all ports within South Africa for a period of five years.

“Transnet’s port operations play a critical role in both South Africa’s and the African economy,” says Shane Jegels, Executive Chairman at Gulfstream Energy.  “To be part of fuelling South Africa is not only a positive step forward in our own growth, but in turn provides us with the opportunity to play a greater role in the development and sustainability of our nation.”

The Transnet tender, the single biggest contract for goods and services by the State owned company to date, took 18 months to complete and involved an intensive due diligence process.  As part of Transnet’s commitment to broaden economic empowerment, a key objective of this tender was the opportunity to integrate a diverse group of black and female owned businesses into what has historically been a white dominated petroleum market. Tender criteria included price, supplier development, technical ability and Broad Based Black Economic Empowerment credentials.

“With over 100+ years’ experience across the entire petroleum value chain, coupled with its guaranteed supplier delivery and excellent BBBEE credentials, Gulfstream Energy was a natural fit for our requirements,” says Brian Molefe, Transnet Group CEO. In addition, Gulfstream’s commitment to ‘making business easy for all’ sees it constantly seeking out new and innovative ways to ensure ease of offering and delivery across its customer base, an example being the ‘Gulfstream Trading Platform’. Custom built and unique to the industry, GTP provides a seamless online ordering facility relieving customers of unnecessary administrative burdens. “We have no doubt they possess all the necessary skills and expertise to successfully complete this contract and were thrilled to oversee the first delivery in Richards Bay,” adds Tau Morwe, CEO, Transnet Ports Authority.

Gulfstream Energy, supplier of quality and innovative petroleum solutions to a wide range of customers, within all market sectors of the South African economy, has been in existence for almost five years. Known for its excellent supply reliability, fast, flexible and efficient service and a willingness to go the extra mile, its spirit of co-opetition sees Gulfstream partnering with leading industry players in order to ensure as effective an offering as possible.

“The Service you want - The Products you need,” is how Jegels describes the Gulfstream culture.  “We pride ourselves in delivering on time, in full and at the best price possible,” continues Jegels.  “And the recognition and acknowledgement of this by Transnet, through the awarding of its marine business, is a definite highlight on Gulfstream Energy’s company roadmap.”