Oman tightens bunkering oversight with new regulations

Oman’s Ministry of Transport, Communications and Information Technology has introduced new regulations on bunkering at the country’s ports by amending Articles 6 and 7 of the existing framework.

IMAGE: An aerial view of Sohar Port and Freezone. Sohar Port and Freezone

Under the revised Article 7, a minimum of two licensed specialised companies must take part in every ship bunkering operation.

For MGO deliveries by truck, the supplier must be a wholly Omani-owned company, specialised in bunkering, and registered with the country’s Small and Medium Enterprises Development Authority.

Article 6 now stipulates that port administrations must sign agreements with applicants before granting bunkering licenses, and all related payments must be processed through banks licensed in Oman.

“This is a positive move—it brings more supply diversity for other players,” said Manal Al Mamari, sales specialist at Omani bunker supplier O Bunkering told ENGINE.

By Tuhin Roy

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