Aegean News - Aegean Oil

Transcription

Aegean News
T H E
Q U A R T E R L Y
M A G A Z I N E
O F
A E G E A N
winter 2008-2009
Aegean
Construction of
Oil Installations
in Fujairah
Interview
Harald Kuznik
Global Head
of Shipping
HSH Nordbank AG
Lloyd’s List
Greek Shipping
Awards
Plus
Flows & Currents
Travel
Trinidad
Aegean’s Thirteenth
Station
editorial
As the global financial crisis continues to affect
Aegean
Core Activities
markets worldwide, Aegean is maintaining its position
of strength amid an environment of uncertainty and
instability.
By implementing a strategic plan that encompasses
long-term horizons yet makes room for more immediate market fluctuations, Aegean Marine Petroleum has
been able to fulfill its objectives of becoming a leading
independent bunker provider worldwide. The Aegean Marine Petroleum policy
of developing a double hull bunkering fleet, both through newbuidlings and purchases, is placing the company at the forefront of the global bunkering market.
The recent moves to expand the Aegean Marine Petroleum bunkering network, in North America, in Europe, in the Caribbean, and in Africa, demonstrate the status, strength, and position of the company, as well as its potential
for growth, even in these challenging times.
These are tangible achievements that put Aegean Marine Petroleum among
the finest bunkering companies in existence. Likewise, the fact the Aegean is
among the top 10 bunker providers in the port of Singapore, one of the most
important in the world, clearly establishes a stature for the company that is
beyond doubt.
In Greece, Aegean Oil is moving ahead in the retail gasoline market with
remarkable success. The recent introduction of RO-RO vessels to serve the
Greek islands is producing dramatic results. On the island of Crete, a number
of new Aegean gas stations served by the vessels is creating a new buzz in this
important market that should have profound effects and highly favorable results for the company.
Although 2009 is expected to be a difficult year globally, Aegean is cautiously optimistic that it will emerge stronger, more efficient, and more valuable for
its customers, shareholders, and employees.
Retail
àAEGEAN OIL has established a gas stations network throughout Greece, and
is one of the fastest growing companies
in the retail market. AEGEAN’S gasoline
market share in Greece is 9.1%.
Shipping
à AEGEAN SHIPPING manages a fleet of
tankers, ranging from 3,500DWT to
100,000 DWT, that transfers and delivers
oil to our clients throughout the world. All
ships meet ISM standards.
Bunkering
àIn Piraeus, Gibraltar, Kingston, Ocho Rios,
Montego Bay, Antwerp, Portland UK, Tema in Ghana, United Arab Emirates, Singapore, Montreal and Vancouver, AEGEAN
MARINE PETROLEUM is a leader in providing the best bunkering services available.
In Piraeus, AEGEAN MARINE PETROLEUM
is the market leader in bunkering.
Agency Services
à Ships from around the world rely on AEGEAN AGENCY services at Piraeus, Gibraltar,
and Jamaica, from loading and discharging, to spare parts and supplies.
Lubricants
Raymond Matera
Publisher
à AEGEAN OIL produces and markets high
performance lubricants for vehicles and
industrial use, under the AEGEAN brand
and AEGEAN MARINE PETROLEUM trades
and supplies lubricants for the marine
market under the ALFA brand.
WINTER 2008-2009 AEGEAN NEWS
contents
15
Aegean reinforces its position in the Persian Gulf with the agreement for the construction of oil installations
in Fujairah
CODE: 5169
Winter 2008-2009
Aegean News is published
quarterly by AEGEAN
Publisher & Managing Editor
Raymond Matera
CONTRIBUTING Editor
J. Georgana
DESIGN
Snack
18
A new station in Trinidad is Aegean’s new major
investment in the Caribbean
4 AEGEAN UPDATE 8 F LOWS AND CURRENTS
Trends and News in the Oil and Energy Fields
10 CHRISTMAS
PARTY
11 S
HIPPING
Aegean’s Fleet Renewal Continues
12 B
UNKERING
Printing and Binding
Korifi Publications SA
Owner
Aegean
42 Hatzikyriakou Street
185 38, Piraeus, Greece
Tel: +30 210 458 6000
Fax: +30 210 458 6241
E-Mail: [email protected]
Internet: www.aegeanoil.gr,
www.ampni.com
Comments and suggestions are welcome.
Aegean News is free of charge and is available, subject to availability, to
any interested person or organization.
Please Recycle
❚ The Port of Fujairah ❚ Aegean’s Strategically Important Investment in Fujairah
16 Lloyd’s List
Greek Shipping Awards
17 H
ELLENIC ENVIRONMENTAL
CENTER
16 Years in the Protection of the Marine
Environment
18 BUNKERING
Trinidad—Aegean’s Thirteenth Station
26
Harald Kuznik talks to Aegean News about the
position of Greek Shipping and of Aegean in the
global scene
22 RETAIL
Sailing to Crete
23 RETAIL
High Fuel Prices Affected Sales
24 STATIONS OF THE MONTH
❚ Antonios Fleris ❚ Spyros Kondostathis
26 AEGEAN MARINE PETROLEUM
Interview with Harald Kuznik
26 ENVIRONMENT Children and the Environment
26 TRAVEL
Metsovo
31 AEGEAN IMAGE
Products That Say “We’re Different”
WINTER 2008-2009 AEGEAN NEWS A e g ea n
Upda te
New Aegean
Personnel
The following employees have joined the
Aegean work force
AEGEAN BUNKERING SERVICES
Andreou Vasilios, Bafaloukos Irineos,
Bourousi Evagelia, Dimitriadis Ioannis,
Exarhos Panayiotis, Kalivas George,
Karathanos Dimitrios, Koskina Ekaterini,
Manouilidis Ioannis, Lebesis Dimitrios,
Lazarou Efstratios, Mougolia Nandia,
Papadopoulou Sophia
Sofianos Ioannis, Theodoropoulou
Panayiota, Veroukis Alexandros
AEGEAN SHIPPING
Aidonidis Lazaros, Benou Sophia
AEGEAN MARINE PETROLEUM
Karakasi Anna-Maria, Peramatzis Minas,
Raptodimou Christina, Sayia Osanna,
Chohlakis Emmanuel, Christoforatos George
Fandomas Neofitos,
AEGEAN OIL
Aivaliotis Vasilios, Gavriilidis Antonios,
Karvelas Andreas, Sarris Konstantinos,
Stamatoulakis Dimitris
Dimitris Melissanidis Elected Member of the
Greek Committee of Germanischer Lloyd
On October 10, 2008 the meeting of the Greek Committee of Germanisher
Lloyd took place in Athens. During the meeting in Athens, Mr. Dimitris Melissanidis, Aegean Group founder, was elected member of the Committee. The
Committee convenes once a year and discusses industry related issues. At this
year’s meeting, with Captain Vasilis Constantakopoulos as Chairman, 30 participating representatives of the Greek Shipping Community discussed and
exchanged views on new trends of the market, operational challenges, and new
technologies for fuel saving.
AEGEAN NEWS WINTER 2008-2009
Logging On
Customers and associates of Aegean
may visit the company’s website, www.
aegeanoil.gr, to learn about the company’s activities. Bunkering customers
may register online to conduct business
and maintain contact with the bunkering
department at www.ampni.com.
New Stations
in Aegean’s Retail
Network
Aegean Assists Gibraltar Port Authorities
On October 10, 2008, Gibraltar was hit by the worst weather conditions ever
recorded at the island. As a result, M/V FEDRA, a bulk carrier anchored in the
eastern anchorage, ran aground.
Although there was no loss of life or any significant injuries to her crew of 30,
the vessel was a total loss.
It was estimated that the vessel was carrying approximately 200mts of fuel oil
in her bunker tanks, which with the vessel breaking up, started leaking. As a
result, Gibraltar Port Authorities initiated their response protocols, and as part
of their response enrolled the assistance of Aegean’s recently acquired service
boat ALPHA.
The services of the launch ALPHA, as well as the crew, were retained by Port
Authorities from October 13 until October 26 on a 24-hour basis.
Aegean Gibraltar is proud of having been able to contribute and assist Gibraltar
Authorities in their response to this situation, and remain committed to assisting with all our means in the future.
Τhe Aegean network is growing throughout
the country. Listed below are the stations
that have started displaying the Aegean
Logo during the past three months.
ΖARKADIA, CHRYSOUPOLIS- KAVALA
KARANIKOLAS IOANNIS
MAKRI YIALOS-LASITHI
GIKAKI KALLIOPI
ARMENI –RETHYMNON
DROUDAKIS GEORGE
VONNI-KASTELI-HERAKLION
FRAGIADOULAKI ANNA
DAFNES – HERAKLION
LABRAKIS NIKOS
111 J. KENNEDY, PERISTERI-ATTICA
ZISIMOPOULOS GEORGE
KAPANDRITI-ATTICA
ECONOMOU EVAGELOS
MAYROVOUNI, GITHIO-LACONIA
MASTAKOURIS ELIAS-GERONDIDI ELEFTHERIA
MELISSI-KORINTH
YIANAKOULIA EKATERINI
Aegean Marine Petroleum Presents at
Marine Money Conference in Miami
Aegean Marine Petroleum was invited to present at the 5th Annual Marine Finance
Forum: “Latin America and Caribbean” held in Miami Beach on November 20, 2008.
Aegean Marine Petroleum, represented by Steve Leonard, presented with three other
companies in the session moderated by Hans Lau of Jan Gisholt Shipping titled
“Leading Companies Every Lender and Investor Should Know.”
Marine Money International, a leading provider of ship finance information and maritime company analysis, hosts the industry's most important ship finance forums and
seminars throughout the world, providing excellent networking opportunities.
SOSTIS-KOMOTINI
ALI ERGOUN
MAYROMATI-KARDITSA
YIOTIS STEFANOS
205 DOIRANIS ST.-KALLITHEA
SYGGROU PARK AVENUE S.A.
SERVOTA-TRIKALA
ZOULIANITIS THOMAS
R.ROAD VASILIKA-THESSALONIK
INGIDIS CH.-EV. GEKAS
340 AHARNON ST.- ATHENS
MAYROMIHALOS S & CO.
WINTER 2008-2009 AEGEAN NEWS A e g ea n
Upda te
Canadian Honors for Aegean
Aegean was honored for its contribution to a lasting and fruitful economic cooperation between Canada and Greece.
Aegean Marine was a guest of honor at the Greek General
Consulate Dinner held on December 11, 2008 in Montreal.
The event was held at the McGill Faculty Club in the historic
Baumgarten Mansion, built in 1887 by aristocrat and engineer Baron Alfred Baumgarten, who rose to prominence as
the President of the St. Lawrence Sugar Factory.
As part of its new strategy to promote Greece to foreign markets, the Greek Ministry of Foreign Affairs recently inaugurated a series of events to honor existing and potential new
partners in order to attract wider attention and participation
from the business community, government and academia.
Aegean’s newly established presence in Canada, through its
acquisition of ICS Petroleum, was viewed as one of the most
important business developments that took place in 2008 on
a bilateral level. As such, Aegean was invited to make a brief
presentation and speak about its entry into the Canadian
market in addition to future prospects.
Steve Leonard, Aegean’s Vice President for the Americas,
spoke about Aegean’s global presence and in particular why
Canada was so important to the continued growth strategy
of the company. It was a very enjoyable evening, followed
by a concert of ancient and modern Greek music and songs
performed by Maria Diamantis, soprano, Dimitris Ilias, tenor
and Hugh Cawker, pianist.
Aegean Among Singapore’s
Top 20 Suppliers
In mid January the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) listed Singapore's
20 leading—among a total of 80—accredited bunker suppliers by volume for 2008.
Aegean Bunkering was listed in 10th position.
1) BP Singapore Pte Ltd
7) Northwest Resources Pte Ltd
14) Consort Marine Services Pte Ltd
2) ExxonMobil Asia Pacific Pte Ltd
8) Sentek Marine & Trading Pte Ltd
15) Titan Bunkering Pte Ltd
3) Global Energy Trading Pte Ltd
9) Searights Maritime Services Pte Ltd
16) Ocean Bunkering Services (Pte) Ltd
4) Shell International Eastern Trading Co
10) Aegean Bunkering Pte Ltd
17) O.W. Bunker Far East (Singapore) Pte Ltd
5) SK Energy International Pte Ltd
11) Singapore Petroleum Company Limited
18) Bunker House Petroleum Pte Ltd
6) Equatorial Marine Fuel Management
Services Pte Ltd
12) Chevron Singapore Pte Ltd
19) Chemoil – ITC Pte Ltd
13) Alliance Oil Trading Pte Ltd
20) Gas Trade (S) Pte
Christmas Events
Christmas Ball of Efxeinos Pontian Club
The annual Christmas Ball of Athens Efxeinos Club took place December 19 at Caravel Hotel
and was a great success. More than 500 guests danced and sang together with singer Yiannis
Theodoridis, accompanied by the sounds of traditional musical instruments played by Kyriakos Antoniadis, Vasilis Folinas, and Nikos Hatzidaftidis. Many distinguished personalities
honored the event with their presence.
Christmas in Thessaloniki
The Pontian Association “Akrites tou Pontou” singing
Christmas carols outside Aegean’s Thessaloniki offices
Snapshot from the Christmas party for the children of
Aegean’s Thessaloniki staff
Aegean Sponsors Special
Publication on the Life of
Stelios Kazantzidis
An outstanding publication on the
Pontian singer Stelios Kazantzidis,
who passed away a few years ago, and
who sang about the sorrows and the
joys of the average Greek, was issued
recently, titled “Stelios Kazantzidis—Tracing the Tail of a Myth. His
Life and Work.” The Grand Sponsor of this very special publication
was Aegean’s founder, Mr. Dimitris
Melissanidis, who, in addition to his
pioneering business activities, develops cultural initiatives that highlight
important personalities of Pontian
culture. According to Mr. Melissanidis, the sponsorship of the publication
on Kazantzidis is a tribute to his own
Pontian origin.
One of Ours Among the Champions
Rugby has been present in Greece
since 1982 when Athens based teams
hosted foreign teams in friendly
games. Some efforts followed at an
amateur level to establish local tournaments. However, the game became
official in Greece with the founding
of the National Federation and the
organization of the 1st Pan Hellenic
Championship, the setting up of a
national representative and national
team for under 17. The Hellenic
Rugby Federation was founded at the
end of 2004 following an initiative
of the deputy Minister for Athletics
at the time, Mr. George Orfanos. Its
President is Mr. Evaggelos Stamos.
Under the auspices of the Hellenic
Rugby Federation three Pan-Hellenic
Championships have been organized
(with15 players) 2005-6, 2006-7,
2007-8 and one Panhellenic Rugby
Sevens Championship (with seven
players) 2007-8. The Athens Rugby
Union Football Club has won the
Championship for all three previous seasons. Member of the winning
team, and also of the National team,
our own Yiannis Tsogas, bunker trader of Aegean Marine Petroleum.
WINTER 2008-2009 AEGEAN NEWS Flows
&
Currents
Ecological Driving
European Groups
in the Greek
Electric Energy
Market
Spanish Endesa, French EdF, Italian
ΕΝΕL and the French GDF Suez are the
four European Groups that has started
to challenge the monopoly of the Public
Power Corporation (DEI) in the Greek
electric energy market. France’s Suez
agreed in the beginning of December
with the GEK TERNA Group on the
acquisition of 50% of TERNA’s first
two energy units in Viotia (Iron I and
Iron II). The agreement also includes
the common administration-management of the two energy units. The open
cycle natural gas unit Iron I of 150
MW has been in operation since 2004,
being the first private energy unit in
Greece. The combined cycle natural gas
unit Iron II, of 450 MW, is under construction and is expected to be ready
for commercial operation within the
first trimester of 2010. GEK TERNA
holds a leading position in Greece in
the fields of construction, energy, real
estate and concessions, and GDF SUEZ
is one of the largest internationally
Groups in the filed of energy, possessing a significant number of energy
units.
It has been shown that many drivers of hybrid cars cannot
achieve significant reduction in the consumption of gasoline
because they drive aggressively. This is the reason why
next generation hybrid models will advise drivers, with specific indications, on how to achieve ideal consumption. In the
speedometer of a new generation hybrid model of a certain
automobile manufacturer a plant is depicted which grows
green leaved when the driver drives in an ecologically correct
manner. When the driver steps on the gas aggressively the
leaves start to get withered and finally fall. Another manufacturer’s model, which will be in circulation within 2009, has a speedometer with changing
colors. Green for the driver with an ecological conscience to blue for the nervous driver.
Russian-Ukrainian Tension
Over Natural Gas
The settlement of Ukrainian debt to the Russian Gazprom, and the signing
of a new contract on 2009 prices, on the terms of which the two sides
disagree, were the main causes of the tension between the two countries.
In the beginning of January Gazprom’s natural gas station stopped the
flow of natural gas to Ukraine, although Gazprom announced that it will
continue to supply its EU clients with natural gas. The pipelines crossing
Ukraine carry natural gas to the EU covering 20% of its needs. Europeans
expressed their concerns that the situation of January 2006 would be
repeated, when with the interruption of supply to Ukraine, shortages
resulted in several European countries. However, in January Gazprom let
natural gas flow to Europe, through Ukraine, putting an end to the crisis.
Increasing Demand for Biofuels
According to the analysts of the International Energy
Association (ΙΕΑ), by 2030 biofuels will correspond to
12% of the international supply of liquid fuels, with
the percentage reaching 26% by 2050.
Demand increase will originate from the fields of air
transport and shipping. By 2030 these two sectors
will cover 30% of total global biofuel consumption,
turning mainly to biodiesel and synthetic fuel. In addition to the great increase in the production and use
of biofuels, IEA analysts estimate that starting 2025
there will be a substantial turn to first generation
ethanol from second generation biofuels.
Petroleum Pool
Beneath the Gulf of Mexico
A trio of oil companies has tapped a petroleum pool deep beneath the Gulf of Mexico
that could boost the nation’s reserves by more
than 50 percent. A test well indicates it could
be the biggest new domestic oil discovery
since Alaska’s Prudhoe Bay a generation ago.
But the vast oil deposit roughly four miles
beneath the ocean floor won’t significantly
reduce the country’s dependence on foreign
oil and it won’t help lower prices at the pump
anytime soon.
“It’s a nice positive, but the U.S. still has
a big difference between its consumption
and indigenous production,” said Art Smith,
chief executive of energy consultant John S.
Herold. “We’ll still be importing more than 50
percent of our oil needs.” It is estimated the
300-square-mile region where its test well
sits could hold between 3 billion and 15 billion barrels of oil and natural gas liquids. The
U.S. consumes roughly 5.7 billion barrels of
crude-oil in a year.
It will take many years and tens of billions
of dollars to bring the newly tapped oil to
market, but the discovery carries particular
importance for the industry at a time when
Western oil and gas companies are finding
fewer opportunities in politically unstable
parts of the world, including the Middle East,
Africa and Russia.
Reduction of Russian
Oil Output
Russia may reduce oil output to combat falling prices, the country’s minister
of energy announced at the beginning of December.
The move would formally cement Russia’s cooperation with the Organization
of Petroleum Exporting Countries. After the announcement, crude oil rose
by $2.28 a barrel to $45.77. In the previous five months the price of crude fell
by $100 a barrel.
Agreement
with Cosco
Signed in Piraeus
The foundations of the agreement for
the acquisition by the Chinese Cosco of
a cargo terminal at the Port of Piraeus
were laid in 2006 during the Greek
Prime Minister’s visit in Beijing. At the
end of November 2008 the agreement
was ratified with the final signatures
in the Hellenic-Chinese agreement.
Cosco offered an amount reaching 490
million Euros, which will reach 4.3
billion Euros over the course of the 35
year-agreement. Cosco will invest 350
million Euros for the creation of 6 spots
for the simultaneous service of six ships
of 10,000 containers in piers II and ΙΙΙ.
Greek
Merchant Fleet
According to a National Statistics Service announcement at the beginning of
2009, the Greek merchant shipping fleet
totalled 2,075 ships with a total tonnage
of 38,864,028 grt. According to the
statistics report, 628 were cargo ships,
513 tankers and 934 were passenger and
other kind of ships.
WINTER 2008-2009 AEGEAN NEWS Christmas Party
for the Children of Aegean
As in years past, Aegean held its annual Christmas party to enjoy the
season’s spirit with the children of its personnel. On December 14, Athens
Caravel Hotel filled with daisies and children. Possibly the best party of
recent years, this year’s event took place in the hotel’s most beautiful area,
the Roof Garden.
Santa Claus, Mini and Mickey Mouse, magicians and clowns, a DJ and dancing
music, a Karaoke competition and much more provided the setting where
our children really had the time of their lives. It was a memorable evening
for children and adults alike. The evening closed with two more surprises, the
impressively rich buffet and the nice presents Aegean gave to our children.
Αegean, thank you. May we all be healthy and well next year to get together
and celebrate.
MAY THIS BE A HAPPY YEAR FOR ALL!
10 AEGEAN NEWS WINTER 2008-2009
Shipping
Aegean’s Fleet Renewal Continues
Aegean is continuing its newbuilding program at a vibrant pace. Three vessels, Patmos,
Paros, and Naxos have been delivered since November while another two are just around the
corner, creating an awesome expansion record amid the global financial crisis.
Delivery of M/T Patmos
The first of a 16-vessel series was
delivered on November 18, 2008 from
Qingdao Huyndai Shipbuilding, the
Chinese subsidiary of the renowned
Korean shipbuilder. The vessel will join
the Aegean fleet in Fujairah, strengthening significantly company’s presence
in this important bunkering port.
The vessel was built under the close
survey of Lloyds Register and the owners’ site team. She complies with the latest rules and regulations for oceangoing
navigation, hosting high quality equip-
ment for bunkering trade and operations. She has five pairs of cargo oil tanks
and one pair of slop tanks with a total
capacity of 7026 m3. She is equipped
with two sets of twin screw type pumps
with 750 m3/h and one screw type cargo
pump with 300 m3/h, each driven by an
independent diesel engine.
The cargo oil loading/discharging
operations are controlled from the
Cargo Control Room and the system
is able to load and discharge three (3)
different grades of cargo oil simultaneously without contamination.
Delivery of M/T Paros
and M/T Naxos
Just like Paros and Naxos, the two
beautiful islands that lie next to each
other in the Aegean sea, these two
sister vessels, named after them, are
operating in the Singapore region
and will contribute in increasing the
company’s market share.
The ninth and tenth vessel from
Fujian Southeast Shipbuilding fulfill
all the latest classification and statutory requirements and will be followed
by another five vessels.
WINTER 2008-2009 AEGEAN NEWS 11
Bunkering
Port of Fujairah
The demand for bunkering services in the Port of Fujairah is continuously increasing, creating
conditions for further development of Aegean Bunkering Fujairah.
The Port anchorage can
accommodate up to 100
vessels at any time and
offers an efficient and varied
“One Stop Shop” service for
calling vessels
F
ujairah Port is situated on the Eastern Seaboard of the United Arab
Emirates, approximately 70 nautical miles from the Straits of Hormuz.
Its strategic position and facilities have proved attractive to a range of
users of the multi-purpose port. It acts as a center to meet the requirements of
the shipping community in the Middle East and the surrounding regions. This
makes it recognized globally.
The Port anchorage can accommodate up to 100 vessels at any time and offers
an efficient and varied “One Stop Shop” service for calling vessels. Services include
❚ Container Handling—offers significant strategic logistical and economic advantages for container operators such as repair and bunkering facilities
❚ General Cargo—a highly skilled work force supported by a variety of up to
date equipment including mobile cranes, all types of cargo slings, forklifts and
trailers, that ensure quick turn around, based on 24 hour service
❚ Bulk Cargo—allows the accommodation of large and gearless vessels. Flexibility in stockpile storage arrangements and an environmentally friendly
loading solution.
❚ Bunkering, Marine Supply, Ship Repair—offers varied and efficient supply
and service arrangements with a high level of control and policing. The Port
of Fujairah Authority Marine Department professionally manage its safety and
security.
In addition, the Crew changes to and from the anchorage has reached an average of 2,500 personnel monthly.
A fleet of 80 independently owned and professionally operated supply vessels,
namely bunker barges, fresh water barges, lubricants barges, tug boats and service boats, which include our very own Aegean fleet, is based in the Anchorage.
The graph below shows the number of vessel calls at the Fujairah Port Anchorage from year 2000 to October 2008
2500
2000
1500
1000
500
0
2000
2001
2002
2003
2004
2005
2006
2007
2008*
Yearly Tonnage
Year
1995
1996
1997
1998
1999
2000
2001
2002
2003
2004
*(Jan-May)2005
2006
2007
Containers
4,960,828
4,770,299
4,158,168
3,925,361
4,158,168
3,925,361
5,029,577
5,082,249
1,797,421
1,948,810
*174009
General Cargo
63,923
75,086
97,806
67,112
90,620
212,843
423,627
704,867
647,367
245,915
61,181
198,695
230,430
Bulk Cargo
669,368
501,077
904,016
2,091,573
2,902,157
3,851,155
4,247,544
6,026,735
7,492,968
9,659,818
12,331,682
15,722,287
16,600,480
Oil
324,852
264,231
4,005,507
1,521,070
4,011,949
7,292,911
11,636,031
11,444,414
7,969,988
12,228,019
20,503,245
29,533,410
27,699,570
Total Cargo
6,018,971
5,610,693
9,165,497
7,605,116
11,162,894
15,282,270
21,336,779
23,258,265
17,907,744
24,082,562
32,896,108
45,454,392
44,530,480
30000000
25000000
20000000
15000000
10000000
5000000
0
1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005* 2006 2007
Containers
General Cargo
Bulk Cargo
Oil
*(Jan-May)
The table and graph shown above demonstrate the excellent services offered
by Port of Fujairah from 1995 to 2007.
Port officials said that the port will continue implementing its expansion
project, which includes building a further 850 meters of devoted oil tanker quay
space. The Fujairah Port will undergo a major development of its existing infrastructure as well as extending its facilities due to the growing use of the port and
terminal. This will benefit more the commercial support services in Fujairah
The following are some of the ongoing projects in the Port.
Bunkering
Developments in the Port
Southern Breakwater Berth
ADCOP Pipeline Project
This will provide 840 meters of general cargo berths with a draft of
15 meters. Additionally a Travel Lift facility and Berth will be available for the lifting of supply and associated vessels for maintenance
and repair. The Port is preparing common user sites for vessel repair.
The contractors for this major project for a Crude Oil Pipeline
between Abu Dhabi and Fujairah have now mobilized. Construction is expected to be completed by the end of 2010. Terminal
Storage Facilities are to be constructed together with SPM’s. It is
estimated that a major part of the U.A.E.’s Crude Oil exports will
use this route on completion of the project.
These projects will benefit more the commercial support services in Fujairah and the rest of United Arab Emirates. According
to Dr. Al Kindi, The Fujairah Port floating storage capacity exceeds 740, 000 cubic meters, while its onshore storage capacity now exceeds 1.9 million cubic meters, with further capacity
coming on line.
The Fujairah bunkering market handles an average of over one
million tones of bunkering supplies every month and projected to
increase further in the coming years.
Northern Breakwater Oil Berths (OT2)
This project commenced in January 2008 and is due for completion at
the end of 2010. This will provide a further 940 meters of Oil Berths
with a draft of 18 meters. The “spine” of the existing breakwater will
be leveled to provide level access between the existing OT1 and OT2.
Additional Tank Storage Facilities
Talks continue between the Government and interested parties
on the allocation of land for substantial investments in additional
Terminal Storage Facilities.
Aegean’s Strategically Important
Investment in Fujairah
Following the agreement for the construction of the new oil installation in Fujairah, Aegean’s
position in the Persian Gulf is further reinforced
I
n line with the expansion and
development program of Fujairah Port, Aegean Oil Terminal
Corporation has signed a Land Lease
Agreement with Fujairah Municipality relative to its operation of an oil
storage terminal in Fujairah, United
Arab Emirates. The leased premises with have an approximate size of
100,000 square meters.
The project will include the construction of pipelines connected to
Port of Fujairah, enabling the environmental friendly, state-of-the-art
terminal to store and supply all types
of high quality marine fuels.
The new oil storage terminal is
expected to be completed by the end
of 2010 and is set to operate in two
phases. Phase one, with eight tanks,
is to have a total storage capacity of
250,000 cbm and phase two is to have
an additional eight tanks with 250,000
cbm capacity. The oil depot will be
fully operational and coincide with
the construction of the new jetty of the
Port of Fujairah.
The strategic location of Fujairah,
in relation to navigational routes,
shipping anchorages and growing
bunkering business, is expected to be
pivotal in establishing Aegean in Fujairah as a more important presence
in the region.
Mr. Dimitrios Melissanidis (sitting on the right), President/ Director of Aegean Oil Terminal Corporation with His Highness Sheikh
Hamad Bin Mohammed Al Sharqi, ruler of Fujairah.
From Left: Dr. Salem, special advisor to the government; Mr. Spyros Fokas, Sheikh Saleh Bin Mohammed Al Sharqi, Head
of Industry and Economy of Fujairah; Mr.Dimitrios Melissanidis and Mr.Theofanis Goumas.
LLO Y D ' S
LIST
Aegean Awards the U.S. Coast Guard
at the Lloyd’s List Event
BY Yiannis TSOGAS | Bunker trader AMP
The 5th Lloyd's List Greek Shipping Awards took place at the Athenaeum Intercontinental Hotel
on December 12, with guests including 1,000 shipping personalities.
M
r. Panos Kammenos, Deputy Minister of Mercantile
Marine, Aegean and Island
Policy, delivered the opening address.
Lloyd's List was proud to welcome Aegean Marine Petroleum to the table of
sponsors for the first time this year. Aegean sponsored the International Personality of the Year Award and Aegean's
Mr. Spyros Fokas, General Counsel and
Corporate Secretary. presented the trophy to Admiral Thad W. Allen, of the
U.S. Coast Guard. Admiral Allen was
unable to attend in person and Capt.
Michael Morgan, Defence & Naval Attaché at the U.S. Embassy in Athens,
accepted the award on his behalf. The
Commandant of the U.S. Coast Guard,
Thad Allen, was given the award primarily for his efforts this past year to
ensure that seafarers calling at U.S.
ports are treated with due respect and
fairness. Admiral Allen was selected as
Lloyd's List's inaugural International
Personality of the Year not only for his
overall leadership in the Coast Guard
but for his specific initiative this year to
amend the culture of the USCG and
insist on greater respect for seafarers on
ships calling in the U.S. A special “Man
of the Sea” Award was presented to
Capt. Kristo Laptalo, the Greek Shipping Personality of the Year Award was
presented to Mr. Efthymios Mitropoulos, and the Lifetime Achievement prize
to shipowner Nikolas Lemos. In total,
16 awards were presented and the evening concluded with a well-organized
gala dinner.
Capt. Michael Morgan, Defence & Naval Attache at the U.S. Embassy in Athens, receives the award from Mr. Spyros Fokas, on behalf of the U.S. Coast Guard.
Hellenic Environmental Center
HEC
16 Years at the Service of the Marine
Environment
BY Panayiotis Stamatoyiannis | hec
The main activity of the Aegean Group falls under the sector of energy and specifically the
supply and trading of fuel and lubricants.
O
il, as an energy source, became, and still remains
until today, the main source of energy due to its
many advantages.
Apart from the advantages that established oil, its use as
well as the use of lubricants entail problems that need special management to avoid pollution of the environment.
One of these problems, probably the most important of
all, is the pollution of the sea from oil products and other oil
residues, which can be minimized by the proper, legal and
environmentally acceptable methods of their management.
The Aegean Group, with special environmental sensitivity and aiming to deal proactively with the possibility of a
pollution related accident from the products it manages,
founded HEC in 1994, creating an environmental shield
for the protection of the environment.
Hellenic Environmental Center collects, transports and
processes oil residues from ships and land units (industrial,
shipyards), while it also manages all liquid residues produced by ships.
In short, HEC’s task is to tame and eliminate oil produced pollutants.
From the day of its foundation until today, the basic
principles of the company’s operations are summed up in
the thoroughness, efficiency and quality of its services, in
consistency, in a safe working environment, in the implementation of procedures imposed by national and International legislation and in its complete operational structure.
Full compliance with these fundamental principals
resulted in HEC being active in most of the major Greek
ports, while, at the same time, it has set the foundations for
its international prospects, since demand for its services
has grown beyond Greek borders.
In order to carry out its work, HEC owns and operates
floating separators, where collected residues end up to be
processed, their final destination being state refineries.
HEC also has a fleet of tankers and tank trucks
(equipped accordingly) with which residues are collected
and transported.
With its continuous investments in know how and technical infrastructure, HEC succeeds not only in preventing
but in being ahead of ever stricter demands developing
within international environmental Legislation.
HEC operates according to ISO 9001: 2000 System of
quality management, ΕLOT 1801/OHSAS 18001 System of
Hygiene and Safety at work, and ΕLOT EN ISO 14001: 2004
& EMAS System of environmental management, whereas,
regarding safety, all demands of the ISPS Code are met.
In short, HEC, with its scientific, trained, responsible
human workforce and its complete and contemporary
equipment, may be considered as one decisive ring in the
evolving cycle of nature and life, transforming, with the
process of recycling, the useless to useful, the harmful to
beneficial, the pollutant to energy resource and the waste
to an element of life’s cycle.
Bunkering
Trinidad & Tobago
Aegean’s Thirteenth Station
BY Theodoros Montsenigos | Station Manager
Aegean is delighted to announce that it will shortly start operating, in the Republic of Trinidad
and Tobago, its thirteenth station.
T
his new station will be located
in a vibrant shipping market
and at the crossroads to one
of the Americas traditional shipping
routes. The statiion is expected to
begin operating at the end of the1st
quarter of 2009.
This is a major investment by Aegean in this steadily and rapidly developing area and another milestone in our
overall development project, which
is delivering state-of-the-art marine
bunkering services to meet the changing needs of today’s customers.
This new bunkering station is evidence of our commitment and dedication to deliver, personally and around
the clock, quality and environment
friendly marine bunkering services to
our customers globally and of our vision to strengthen our position in the
global marine fuels market.
We view the establishment of this
new station as an investment in the
future of Aegean and we look forward
to serving new and existing customers
MARPOL 73/78 ANNEX VI.
The deliveries of the marine fuels
will be performed by two modern
double hull oil tankers at anchorage
and offshore, capable to pump up
to 750 metric tons per hour on 24/7
basis.
The bunkering tankers are fully
certified according to the latest IMO
and Industry requirements, registered
in reputable international ship registries and classed by IACS Classification Society.
The ships are manned with STCW
95 certified, trained and experienced
seafarers and fully equipped for;
❚U
ser friendly and environment
friendly operation
❚ s afe ship-to-ship operation
❚m
odern cargo handling systems
❚ f ast, safe and contamination free
cargo operation
In accordance with Aegean’s established practice and philosophy, the
overall commercial and operational
aspects of the bunker station will
This new bunkering station is evidence of our commitment
and dedication to deliver round-the-clock, high quality,
and environment friendly marine bunkering services to our
customers globally
in this area for many years to come.
The new station location and the
decision to provide bunkering services
is a result of being at the crossroads of
a very busy shipping route. Trinidad,
by itself, is one of the fastest developed
islands in the Caribbean, and, the hub
of major commercial development in
the region in recent years.
The new bunkering station will
provide a full range of marine fuels,
quality as per ISO 8217- 2005 specifications and procedures according to
be controlled and followed up by its
family of professionals, ensuring high
standards and uninterrupted service
to our customers.
Bunkering
The Republic of Trinidad and Tobago
Location
The twin-island Democratic Republic
of Trinidad and Tobago is located at the
southern end of the Caribbean archipelago, just outside the hurricane belt
off the northeast coast of Venezuela.
Trinidad, the larger island at 1,864
sq mi (4,828 sq km), is mainly flat and
rolling, with mountains in the north
that reach a height of 3,085 ft (940 m)
at Mount Aripo. Tobago, at just 116
sq mi (300 sq km), is heavily forested
with hardwood trees.
History
Christopher Columbus discovered
Trinidad and Tobago (T&T) in July
of 1498 on his third voyage. By all accounts his crossing was a hard one. He
was forced to take a more southerly
route to avoid a hostile French fleet
and this led him into the doldrums.
While drifting in the still heat of the
equator his water barrels burst and his
food rotted.
When T&T was explored by Columbus, it was inhabited by the
Arawaks. T&T remained in Spanish
Trinidad, by itself, is one
of the fastest developing
islands in the Caribbean and
has been the hub of major
commercial development in
the region in recent years
possession, despite raids by other European nations, until it was ceded to
Britain in 1802.
For the next century T&T became
a typical British sugar colony with its
fortune following the price of sugar
on its roller-coaster ride. Important
events include the emancipation of
slaves in 1834, and the beginning of
indentured labor schemes in 1852,
which bought Chinese and East Indians to Trinidad. In 1871 the first telegraph cable was laid (at Macqueripe
Bay) linking T&T with the rest of the
world. Trams and railways were also
introduced in the second half of the
19th Century.
Partial self-government was instituted in 1925, and from 1958 to
1962 the nation was part of the West
Indies Federation. On Aug. 31, 1962,
it gained independence and on Aug.
1, 1976, T&T became a republic, remaining within the Commonwealth.
Trinidad is the larger of the two islands and home to the capital city (Port
of Spain) and most of the country's 1.3
million people and industrial development. Tobago is a powerful lure for
tourists, with breathtakingly beautiful
ocean views and rain forests full of
exotic birds, animals and plants.
Economy
The twin-island nation of Trinidad
and Tobago are experiencing real GDP
growth as a result of economic reforms,
tight monetary policy, and fiscal responsibility. In 2006 the country experienced a real GDP growth rate of 12.2%.
Long-term growth looks promising, as
Trinidad and Tobago further develops
its oil and gas resources and the industries dependent on natural gas, including petrochemicals, fertilizers, iron/steel
and aluminum. Additional growth potential also exists in financial services,
telecommunications and transport.
Strong growth in Trinidad and Tobago over the past few years has led to
trade surpluses, even with high import
levels due to industrial expansion and
increased consumer demand. The debt
service ratio is around 2.8%, unemployment rate at 6.5%, headline inflation at
7.9%, food price inflation at 16.7%, and
interest rates at 8.0%.
There are no currency or capital
controls and the Central Bank maintains the TT dollar in a lightly managed, stable float against the U.S. dollar
with exchange rate to fluctuate between
TT$6.0 and TT$6.5 to the U.S. dollar.
Trinidad and Tobago further develop its oil and gas resources
and the industries dependent on natural gas
Trinidad and Tobago has made a
transition from an oil-based economy to one based on natural gas. In
2006, natural gas production averaged
4000 million standard cubic feet per
day (mmscf/d), compared with 3200
mmscf/d in 2005. The petrochemical sector, including plants producing
methanol, ammonia, urea, and natural
gas liquids, has continued to grow in
line with natural gas production, which
continues to expand and should meet
the needs of new industrial plants coming on stream over the next few years,
including iron, aluminum, ethylene
and propylene. Trinidad and Tobago is
the fifth-largest exporter of LNG in the
world and the single largest supplier of
LNG to the U.S., supplying two-thirds
of all LNG imported into the U.S.
The government of T&T is seeking
to diversify the economy to reduce dependence on the energy sector and to
achieve self-sustaining growth. The diversification strategy focuses on seven
key industries: yachting, fish and fish
processing, merchant marine, music
and entertainment, film, food and beverage, and printing and packaging.
Investment Environment
The government's economic policy
is directed to the development of a
robust and open market-driven economy. It is committed to actively encouraging foreign investment in T&T.
Apart from enacting legislation to
remove restrictions on foreign investment and to remove foreign exchange
control, the government has also
made a wide range of fiscal incentives
available to the foreign investor. They
generally take the form of import duty
concessions or other tax allowances.
T&T trade initiatives continue to
be pursued in a context that recognizes both regional and bilateral trade
agreements as complementary to
agreements at the multilateral forum.
It is in this regard that T&T has been
an active member of the Caribbean
Community (CARICOM) and has
increasingly sought expanded market
access with third countries. T&T has
been involved in preferential trading
arrangements as the Cotonou Agreement, CARIBCAN and the Caribbean
Basin Initiative (CBI).T&T participates as a member of CARICOM in
the negotiation of the Free Trade Area
of the Americas (FTAA).
Maritime Services
With over 2,000 ship calling annually
and an extensive oil and gas industry,
Trinidad is home to many companies
offering a full range of maritime services
from ship agency, repairs and provisioning to consultancy and inspection.
RET A IL
The Grigorakis brothers
Sailing to Crete
BΥ NIKOLAOS PERAMATZIS | Gas Station Network Manager
At the end of the summer and as soon as M/T MAISTROS was ready for action, we began to
"conquer" the island of Crete.
I
n September 22, 2008 we delivered our first cargo of fuel to the
gas stations of our associates Mr.
Charis Grigorakis and Ms. Zoi Papadaki in Rethymnon, Crete. This is fuel
that was loaded in Maistros ιn tanks,
which are transported from Maistros,
which in essence is a floating installation serving the island under the best
possible conditions.
The timing was perfect because during that same period, for almost one
week, due to a customs strike, Aegean
was the only company supplying fuel
to the island, while the competition was
facing great difficulties. Consequently,
our operation started with great success and the supply of the gas station
network is being performed without
any problems. However, the most important item is the enthusiasm of our
associates. During the short period of
our cooperation, our associate gas station owners are discovering in Aegean
the cooperative relationship they were
looking for, the anthropocentric policy
we are implementing in every way and
at every opportunity and, of course, the
enthusiasm we put into our work. In
a word, our cooperation to date fully
meets their expectations.
Furthermore, all these elements have
an even greater value following the warm
response of motorists who have ‘embraced’ the gas stations with the Aegean
logo. The comments we receive range
from positive to enthusiastic and we see
our sales rising rapidly. The sales increase
in Aegean gas stations in many cases
is greater than 200% and in all cases is
above and beyond the levels estimated.
We are experiencing a climate of
enthusiasm, an impressive fact during
a period that is not the best for the
market, and we are committed that
Aegean will continue to develop in
Crete, with the same growth rates that
the company developed in the rest of
Greece. Our effort will remain strong,
our policy will always put the human
being at the center, with care for our
customer and associate, with special
sensitivity on issues of quality in our
products and in our services.
Opening celebration of the gas station of the Grikorakis brothers in
Rethymnon, Crete
High Fuel Prices
Affected January-October 2008 Sales
BΥ Konstantinos Poursanidis | General Manager
D
espite the
fact that beginning in
October 2008 crude
oil prices, and consequently oil by-products, started
to decline gradually, the continuous
increased during the prior period
negatively affected total consumption
in the domestic market. According to
the Ministry of Development data, the
domestic market registered a decrease
of 2.43% during the ten month period
January-October 2008, compared
with the same period in 2007.
During that same period Aegean
registered an increase in total fuel
sales by 1.64%, while it is worth noting that the increase in automotive
fuels came to 9.36% (TABLE Ι).
At the same time Aegean maintained fourth place in gasoline sales,
with a market share of 9.10% (TABLE ΙΙ).
Percentage Increase/Decrease of Domestic Market Sales in Ten Month Period 2008 vs 2007
PRODUCT
SUPER L.R.P.
UNLEADED PETROL U95
UNLEADED PETROL U100
DIESEL ENGINE
DIESEL HEATING
TOTAL FUEL
TOTAL COMPANIES
-23.25%
0.36%
-4.71%
9.79%
-15.46%
TOTAL GASOLINE AEGEAN
-18.55%
9.26%
5.87%
13.69%
-17.21%
-1.94%
-2.78%
TOTAL FUEL
TOTAL GASOLINE
6.91%
TOTAL FUEL
-2.72%
-2.43%
1.64%
TABLE I
SOURCE: MINISTRY OF DEVELOPMENT
Gasoline Market Shares, Τen Month Period 2008 & 2007
20%
2007
2008
15%
10%
TABLE II
BITOUMINA
MEDOIL
GALLON
ARGO
KMOIL
SUN OIL
DRACOIL
KAOIL
CYCLON
EL PETROL
SILK OIL
ETEKA
REVOIL
ELIN
JET OIL
AVIN
AEGEAN
EKO
BP
0%
SHELL
5%
SOURCE: MINISTRY OF DEVELOPMENT
Stations of the Month
Andonis Fleris
103 Piraeus Ave., Kaminia
Appearances Do Not Deceive
The day after Christmas. Cold and rainy. Empty streets. An ideal time to talk to Mr. Fleris,
the proprietor of the Aegean gas station at 103 Piraeus Ave.
T
he streets appear empty but the
station is busy and so is Mr.
Fleris. However, when he hears
the name Aegean, the tone of his voice
changes and he is more than willing to
talk to us. He started in the fuel business
in 1984, together with his father. Since
1989 he has been working at this specific gas station together with his family. He joined the ever-growing family
of Aegean two years ago. The reasons?
More or less the same that have motivated other gas station owners.
Why did you decide to switch to a new
company?
At the time when I decided upon this
new partnership, all the companies offered the same prices, more or less. That
was not the reason. It just happened
that during that period I met Iakovos
Melissanidis and that meeting was a
determsning factor. An unbelievable
personality! Furthermore, at that same
time, a person for whom I have great
respect, Mr. Polykarpos Kondaxakis,
now supervisor of the gas station network, moved to Aegean—up to then
he worked for a big name in the sector.
This was something that also affected
and influenced me greatly. On top of
that I had in my possession two public
use vehicles that were not being used.
With Aegean’s network they would be
better utilized. For all the above reasons,
each one with its own weight, I decided
to proceed with this new cooperation.
Did Aegean’s name in the market influence to some extent your decision?
The company already had a very strong
brand name that was equivalent to
majors in this sector. Aegean needed,
however, a certain time to build their
reputation and gain prestige in the
market. My switch to Aegean influenced my clientele but in appositive
way. Customers trust the name. And
in addition to that the company transformed my gas station into a new one.
It is one thing to enter an old looking gas station, and a
completely different thing to be served and feel welcomed
at a station sparkling clean, with a bright happy appearance
It is one thing to enter an old looking
gas station, and a completely different
thing to be served and feel welcomed at
a station sparkling clean, with a bright
happy appearance. You know what they
say about appearances. In the case of
Aegean, appearances do not deceive.
They are just the introduction of what
is to follow. Good, personalized service,
quality fuel, competitive prices.
Did you have any problems? And if yes
how do you solve them?
I did not face any significant problems.
Be sure that if I did, I would not hide
it. People in the market know that I am
not holding my tongue. But up to now,
if there is something important to settle
I discuss it directly with Iakovos. For
smaller scale issues I talk to Polykarpos
and things are taken care of right away.
What else can I tell you? This is an
ideal partnership.
Spyros Kondostathis
2nd Kilometer Regional Road Almyros-Volos
When Even Grey Seems a Bright Color
Raised literally among gas pumps, Spyros Kondostathis is a young man, 26 years old, full of
enthusiasm and willingness to talk about Aegean.
M
y father opened up this
gas station in 1983. With
the exception of the years
when I was studying, I always remember myself next to a gas pump. I took
on the business 4-5 years ago, but with
my father standing by me. We remain
a family business.
Your cooperation with Aegean started
18 months ago. How did it come about?
I started thinking about this cooperation when I was a soldier, serving my
military term in Northern Greece.
It is there when I starting hearing
about Aegean, and I had my ears wide
open to anything relating to our line
of business. All the information I got
was more than positive. I would say
enthusiastic. My first contact with the
company was with Mr. Sekeslidis. It
was an important meeting as the idea
I had in my head started to take on a
more definite shape. Following that,
Pumps, shelters, logo, all
very different form the
usual. Bright, optimistic,
even grey looks different.
And appearance plays a
significant role.
the agreement presented to me by Mr.
Kyprianidis convinced me and I made
up my mind. Aegean took on the
change of our gas station’s appearance
right away. The way this was done
really impressed me. The gas station
did not have to close down almost at
all. Just for two hours for the changing of the pumps. And this is how we
became the 1st Aegean gas station in
the Prefecture of Magnesia.
How did your customers react to this
change?
The change created some small problems. Some customers left, but new
customers approached us. And those
who left came back after 1-2 months.
Besides, they could see the flexibility in
the prices and the high quality, which
is never compromised. The external
appearance plays an important role.
Pumps, shelters, logo, all very different form the usual. Bright, optimistic,
even grey looks different.
What is your relationship with the people
of Aegean?
This is another thing that has impressed me. This company has a
human face. The contact with lots
people is easy and problems are dealt
with and solved right away. Its people,
no matter how young, inspire us with
confidence.
How do you feel about your decision after one and a half years?
I do not have the slightest reservation. This is a cooperation that should
have been made. And I hope, wish
and will do everything possible to see
it continue.
I nterview
Harald Kuznik Global Head of Shipping, HSH Nordbank AG
Harald Kuznik talks to Aegean News on global shipping finance issues, on the position of Greek
Shipping, and of Aegean in the global scene.
HSH Nordbank is the largest provider of finance for shipping in
the world. What is the history of the bank and how did achieve
this position in shipping finance?
HSH Nordbank is the result of the merger of two Northern German Banks. Both predecessor banks already had
a long history in ship-finance, going back to the thirties of
the last century. With some of our customers we are doing
business since the late forties of the last century. This is a
good example of what ship-finance is all about: long-term
relationships to mutual benefit.
Shipping is a volatile business; our customers in hard
times need the support from their bankers (and in today's
challenging banking environment, the banks need the support of their customers!) .
Shipping, it has been said, is at the heart of globalization. How
does shipping play this role and how important is shipping in
the global economy?
Shipping is the enabler of globalization, and globalization
has enabled the heady development of shipping!
The world-wide division of labor is not possible without
shipping. Consumers in the western economies are benefitting from having access to reasonably priced products
being manufactured in far away countries. In the manufacturing countries, export-related jobs are created, which
otherwise would not be there because domestic demand in
those countries would just not be such a big "job-machine."
By the way, shipping is not only benefiting from globalization, but also from the services of our customer, Aegean,
being a world-leading supplier of bunkering services to the
shipping industry with a world-wide presence. Aegaen Marine Petroleum provides a reliable service to their shipping
customers, just as we do on the financing side!
What are the geo-economic conditions that are shaping today’s
global economy as it relates to shipping?
At the moment shipping is suffering from the effects of the
negative development we witness in the global economy.
However, in our opinion, globalization is an unstoppable
process: the manufacturing of toys and shirts will not come
back to Europe! Consequently, once the world-economy
picks up again, so will shipping. The overcapacity shipping
is suffering at the moment will be absorbed with a certain
time-lag, and the usage of ships will reach a healthy level
again. But, it is going to be tough until we reach market
equilibrium again.
HSH Nordbank has opened an office in Greece. What are some
of the reasons for this move and how do you view your success
to date?
We opened our office in Greece because as the second largest lender to the Greek shipping industry it was high time
that we got closer to our customers.
Our success in the Greek market is built on two very
important factors: First and most important: the support
and loyalty of our Greek customers, whom we serve since
the middle of the nineties of the last century; second, the
excellent account officers who have long experience in the
Greek shipping, due to the close involvement of shipping entrepreneurs in the day-to-day
running of ships, is always at the forefront of developments
market and are very close to our customers, and always approachable together with their colleagues to find the best
solutions for the financing and risk-management needs of
our customers.
This is especially important in these days where the
credit crunch is affecting financial markets, and consequently also ship-owners.
Greece has long been a leader in global shipping. How would
you characterize Greece’s position today?
Greek shipping has a paramount position on the worldwide shipping scene. Greek shipowners not only control
a large part of world-wide fleet in the water but in the
orderbook.
Greek shipping certainly is going to maintain that position. Why? Because Greek shipping, due to the close
involvement of shipping entrepreneurs in the day-to-day
running of ships, is always at the forefront of developments: the management of Greek shipping companies has
its ears very close to the market and is extremely flexible
and nimble in reacting very quickly to new challenges facing the industry.
Let's face it: the whole shipping world is always watching: "What are the Greeks doing?" This is the greatest compliment one can pay to Greek shipping.
Aegean Marine Petroleum is becoming a major player in the
international bunker sector through rapid and strategic growth.
How do you view the position of Aegean as it moves ahead with
the increase of its bunkering fleet?
Very positive. As I said above, AMP is instrumental in supporting shipping on a world-wide basis. Especially their
decision, taken already some time ago, to order doublehulled bunkering ships has set an industry standard.
What kinds of changes do you believe we will see in shipping
financing, considering the tumultuous change in the global, but
especially U.S., finance markets?
In my humble opinion, the good old bank finance for
shipping will again increase in importance. But also private equity will be there for shipping, but at a hefty price!
Therefore I think that shipowners will rely again more on
their banks to finance their fleet renewals.
How do you think the shipping industry will react to and be
positioned in an economy that is as uncertain as is today’s?
Shipping is already reacting! Ships have been taken out of
service, the scrapping of older ships has increased again,
new building orders have been cancelled or agreements
Harald Kuznik talks to Aegean News on
global shipping finance issues, on the
position of Greek Shipping, and of Aegean in
the global scene
have been reached with yards to extend the delivery dates
of newbuildings.
But, we must not kid ourselves: it is going to take quite a
while until demand for tonnage will pick up again to such
an extent as to absorb the hefty increase in supply we are
seeing coming onto the market in all types of ships.
However: Navigare necesse est: Shipping is necessary!
Children and the Environment
I Protect the EnvironmentI Safeguard My Future
We do not have to make sacrifices in order to save our planet. All that
we need to do, with care and love, is to change our everyday habits, taking
advantage of everything that contemporary technology offers for the
conservation of energy and proper use of natural resources.
Small Tips - Huge Results
☼ Full Washer - Less Energy
There are many things we can do to save energy. Let us start from
the clothes washer which we must start only when it is full of clothes.
Inform your mother that the energy the washer uses when it has few
clothes is the same with the energy used when it is full of clothes. So,
make sure you don’t use it for just a pair of pants.
☼ Less detergent
We must also pay attention to the quantity of detergent used. For
the manufacturing of 100 grams of detergent, 1.3 kilos of harmful
gases are emitted into the atmosphere. Something also very important
is the water temperature. 90% of the energy consumed by a washer
is for warming the water. Today, most detergents are just as effective
at lower temperatures.
☼ Do not Leave Electric Appliances
in the Stand-By Mode
It is indeed very convenient to turn off the TV set from the comfort
of our bed, using the remote control. But electric appliances do not use
energy only when in operation. They use energy, for no real reason,
when in the stand-by mode as well.
☼ Turn off the Computer!
An electronic computer open for five hours every day produces 250
kilos of emissions within a year. Turn it off if you are not going to use it
within the next 10 minutes.
And always remember! Turn off the lights when closing the
door behind you. Let us all make the extra effort. The environment needs it
I Fight Pollution, I Save Energy,
I Protect Natural Resources
Do Not Waste Water!
☼ New Type Toilet Cisterns
We must make it an everyday concern to avoid the waste of water.
Our old toilet cistern can be replaced with a new type which manages to significantly save on the quantity of water it uses. How? It
allows us to choose between a light and heavy water flow with the
flick of a button.
☼ . . . And Smart Faucets
Today it is easy to find water saving filters and place them in the
kitchen and bathroom faucets. What they do is to mix the air in the
water and produce a strong flow. We must also make sure, and inform
everyone else in the house, not to keep the water running when washing the dishes.
☼ Less Water in Car Washing
MAKE YOUR
EFFORT
A WAY OF LIFE,
SO THAT THERE
CAN BE LIFE!
Ask your parents to stop using the hose to wash their car. A bucket
of water will do the job just as well, but with a considerably less quantity
of water.
☼ And In Our Own Bath
Do not fill up the bath tub. When you take a shower you only use 1/3
of the water you would consume using the bathtub. But be careful with
the shower too. A four-member family taking a shower daily with the
water running for 5 minutes, consumes 3000 liters of water in a week,
as much as one person needs to drink for three years.
Put an end to the waste of the planet’s natural resources.
Inform your own family, talk to your friends, and become an example for them to imitate. The planet will reward you!
T ra vel
Metsovo
Warmth from the winter sun, a snowcapped beautiful landscape, traditional stone-built
houses, tile paved back streets, the smell of wood burning in the fireplace, good wine,
delicious cheeses, unique tastes. In a word, Metsovo.
T
wo versions vie for the origin
of Metsovo’s name. The first
contends the Slav origin of its
name, mets + ovo, the village of the
bears, while according to the other the
name is the combination of the Greek
words meso (middle) and vouno
(mountain) due to its geographic
location between two mountains. Approximately one hour from Yiannena,
built at an altitude of 1200 meters on
the slopes of Mount Pindos, Metsovo
is one of the most picturesque places
in Greece and a classic choice for
travelers, especially during the winter
months. In a landscape of unique
natural beauty, the eye captures a
place whose traditional character has
remained impressively untouched.
Houses with carved stones and wooden clapboards, small backstreets,
old traditional fountains with gurgling waters, waters mills, and people
with local traditional clothes all lend
Metsovo features that are not easy to
find elsewhere.
Metsovo has been the birthplace of
great benefactors, such as Michael Tositsas, Nikolaos Stournaris and Georgios Averoff, who funded—among
others—the National Polytechnic
School of Athens, called “Metsovio”
in their honor. A visit to the restored
mansion of Tositsas, which houses the
Museum of Ipirus Folklore Art, offers
visitors a cpmprehensive picture of the
life of past centuries. It also features
a significant collection of coins. The
E. Averoff Art Gallery is home to 250
paintings and sculptures of the most
important Greek artists of the 19th
and 20th centuries, including Lytras,
Gyzis, Iakovidis, and Parthenis while
in Averoff ’s Garden, one of the area’s
best parks, one will find gathered all
the kinds of trees existing in Pindos.
A walk in the town, with the shop
windows full of local cheeses, is
enough for visitors to realize that we
are in the Kingdom of Cheese. The
in its courtyard, under the huge plane
tree, the Apostle of Orthodoxy, Kosmas the Aetolian (1714 - 1779) He
was a monk who traveled through
Greece urging Orthodox Christians to
establish schools and he was officially
proclaimed a saint by the Orthodox
Church of Constantinople on 20 April
1961. The church of Agios Georgios,
at the center of Averoff ’s garden, a
representative sample of a basilica
with a cupola, has a wooden carved
temple and icons dating to 1709.
Snow and winter sports lovers will
In a landscape of unique natural beauty, the eye
captures a place whose traditional character has remained
impressively untouched
cheese dairy of the Tositsa Foundation, operating since 1958, has materialized Evangellos Averoff ’s dream to
establish a practical cheese and dairy
school. Young people from Metsovo in
the past went to Italy to study the art
of cheese making and then returned,
creating the famous Metsovo cheeses.
Metsovo’s churches, with their
distinct architectural features, stand
witness to a glorious past. In the
town’s square, the 17th century church
of Agia Paraskevi stands imperious,
with its 15 meter-high bell tower. The
church of Agios Dimitrios, one of the
oldest churches of Metsovo, welcomed
find the ideal spot in Metsovo. The ski
center in Politses, 4 kilometers from
Metsovo, is friendly to ski amateurs,
with its rather easy slopes. There are
two other skiing centers, one in Karakoli, 1.5 kilometers from Metsovo at
an altitude of 1340-1520 meters and
Zygos, at 1680-1850 meters.
Warmth from the winter sun, a
snowcapped beautiful landscape, traditional stone built houses, tile paved
back streets, the smell of wood burning
in the fireplace, good wine, delicious
cheeses, unique tastes. A town from
the glorious past, thriving with life into
the present. In a word, Metsovo.
the
aege an
im ag e
Products that say
“We‘re different”
Aegean is proud of the contemporary image of its petrol
stations. Station personnel enhance the “Aegean Look”
through clothing and products that reflect a
commitment to quality and customer service.
Aegean
Energy for the Future
Aegean is Greece's most dynamic energy, petroleum, and shipping group. The company has a network of retail gas stations throughout Greece, is active in marine fuels and lubricants, and operates
a fleet of tankers and barges internationally and domestically to transport petroleum and bunkers
for its global base of clients.
Retail Market
Through its fast-growing network of gas stations, Aegean supplies drivers in Greece with gasoline
and automotive lubricants. Aegean’s modern, well-maintained gas station network has won the
trust of drivers due to the high quality products and services it offers at competitive prices. In addition, Aegean directly supplies large industrial clients with petroleum products of
all grades, owing to the consistency and service of its transactions.
Bunker Fleet NYSE listed Aegean Marine Petroleum Inc., with an exclusively double hull fleet—of which nine ships are newbuildings—is the
natural supplier of marine fuels at 12 of the most significant
ports in the world. Furthermore, with its 22 newbuildings program in progress and the continuous opening of new stations,
it is one of the most dynamically developing divisions Of the
Aegean Group.
Bunkering Aegean provides one of the most efficient and responsive bunkering
services to clients worldwide. Its ships never stop sailing and its services
are available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
Aegean operates bunkering stations in Piraeus, and in Gibraltar, Singapore, Jamaica, the United Arab Emirates, Antwerp, Portland UK, Tema
in Ghana, Montreal and Vancouver. All its products are ISO 8217
certified. The Company, which is a member of IBIA and is ISO 9001
certified, is well positioned on the FOBAS White List.
Shipping
Aegean's fleet of ships is at the heart of its superior service
worldwide. Its vessels operate in full compliance with EU and
international standards, are all certified with the code of safe
management ISM and SOLAS and are in complete compliance with
MARPOL regulations.
Aegean continually adds to its fleet of ships, which includes large vessels as well as smaller capacity vessels. Its fleet transports oil cargoes
worldwide on behalf of major oil companies, commercial clients, and Aegean
customers.
Lubricants
Aegean produces and markets high performance lubricants for vehicles and industrial use under
the Aegean brand and, for the marine market, under the ALFA brand. ALFA marine lubricants are
certified and approved by the largest marine engine manufacturers in the world.
The resources of our company and our follow–up service create our successful relationships and
allow Aegean to supply lubricants in 500 ports worldwide.
Aegean’s websites
www.aegeanoil.gr
www.ampni.com

Aegean News - Aegean Oil

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