Gazpromneft Marine Bunker, part of the Gazprom Neft group, acquired Romanian operator Marine Bunker Balkan in the beginning of March, according to law firm Wold Theiss, which assisted Gazpromneft Marine Bunker in the deal.

Gazprom Neft Marine Bunker supplies bunker fuel for marine and river vessels and was founded in October 2007. This is the company's first acquisition in Romania and the first step in Gazprom's subsidiary's international expansion.

Marine Bunker Balkan operates in the Black Sea port of Constanta, and used to be owned by Unicom Holding. Marine Bunker Balkan manages two bunker vessels, a storage vessel of 4,000 tonnes and two mooring barges. The deal has turned Gazpromneft Marine Bunker into one of the largest bunkerage operators in the port of Constanta. The Russian company plans to expand its presence in the ports of Mangalia and Midia. “The strategic objective of Gazprom Neft’s bunker business is to become a significant player in the international bunker fuel market. Gazpromneft Marine Bunker’s international expansion represents a key step in this direction. I am confident that the experience of working in the European market gained as a result of this acquisition, combined with our existing successful asset management in Russia, will further strengthen Gazprom Neft’s bunkerage position,” said Alexander Dyukov, Chairman of Gazprom Neft’s Management Board.

editor@romania-insider.com

(photo source: Gazpromneft Marine Bunker)