Barge MT Sarah
Petrochemicals company Engen has acquired the services of a 2 000 metric tonne (MT) barge for the bunkering of gas and oil – 10 parts per million and 500 parts per million – at the ports of Walvis Bay and Lüderitz, in Namibia.
Additionally, this helps enhance bunkering supply in Namibia, as Engen will make the barge available to rigs, support services and offshore passing vessels lying at anchorage.
Engen states that the introduction of the barge will give Namibia both inshore and offshore flexible, reliable and efficient supply options.
Engen Namibia MD Christian Li says the company is a firm supporter of State-owned port authority Namport’s vision to attract increased cargo to the Walvis Bay port and position the Walvis Bay corridor as a natural gateway for international trade by offering direct access to principal shipping routes.
“The service of the barge MT Sarah is a first for Namibia and a welcome addition to bunkering operations, as it will help to decongest berths and offer an alternative to pipelines and truck delivery,” Li adds.
The barge is 77.4 m long and 10.6 m wide, with a gross tonnage of 1 372 t and a deadweight of 1 975 t. It has a pumping capacity of 200 m3/h.