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Wikstroem ... business manager, Ships Agency, WSS

Wilhelmsen launches new services

NETHERLANDS, May 3, 2016

Wilhelmsen Ships Service (WSS), a leading global provider of maritime products and services, has announced the launch of its global Bunker Service Agreements, aimed at offering standardised quality of products and services.

The services will provide shipping firms with peace of mind and uniform quality, as WSS Global agents will lead the process for the customer, ensuring efficient communication, minimised administration and ensuring high standards. It will provide predictable pricing for a clear set of deliverables, and no hidden extra fees, said a statement from the company.

WSS estimates that there are over 80,000 bunker-only port calls each year. Although these are relatively simple operational tasks, they come with a complex web of administrative and qualitative considerations, as highlighted by Daniel Wikstroem, business manager, Ships Agency, WSS.

He said: “Bunker-only calls can be a real headache for ship operators used to high quality, efficiency and performance driven day-to-day operations.”

“Typical bunker calls include up to 40 lines of communication, between an array of parties – including port agents, bunker brokers and bunker surveyors – up to two separate financial transactions, and an excessive administrative workload checking disbursement accounts. Multiply this on a global level, on a port-by-port basis, and there is huge room for unpredictability – in terms of the complex delivery chain – and a massive man-hour inefficiency. And it goes without saying that time is money,” added Wikstroem.

He said: “Shipping firms will rely on their bunker brokers, or procurement departments, to select the right fuel supplier, and these factors make a real difference between a seamless bunkering process and a convoluted, lengthy and therefore costly one.”

A uniform global bunkering routine ensures that each call runs smoothly, with, amongst other things: pre-arrival formalities and ISPS requirements completed 24 hours prior to arrival; bunker suppliers, surveyors, port authorities and pilots always given vessel ETA updates; service boats always ready for bunkering surveyors upon arrival, and completion; and a strict following up of all bunkering progress, added the statement.

Wikstroem noted that by switching to the WSS bunkering solution, a typical client performing around 100 annual bunker calls, would save over $20,000 a year through reduced bank transactions and paperless DA handling alone, it said.

In addition, WSS’ worldwide operations allow it to capture and maintain detailed performance records of suppliers, giving it, and its customers, an intimate barge-side knowledge of all bunker operations in all major bunker ports, it added. – TradeArabia News Service




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