Minerva Bunkering has officially launched a new physical supply operation in Mauritania, leveraging its Las Palmas hub and a dedicated tanker fleet to serve the region’s growing offshore energy and commercial shipping sectors. By securing a license from the National Hydrocarbons Commission, the company aims to enhance West African supply chain efficiency and lower the total cost of bunkers through superior fuel quality and quantity controls.
Geneva | May 6, 2026 – Minerva Bunkering, the global leader in physical marine fuel supply, has announced the commencement of operations in Mauritania. This expansion follows the successful acquisition of a bunkering license from the National Hydrocarbons Commission (CNHY), marking a decisive step in the company’s growth strategy across the West African coast.
The new operation establishes Minerva’s physical presence across Mauritanian territorial waters and all national ports. Initial activity will be concentrated in the strategic hubs of Nouadhibou and Nouakchott, providing a critical refueling point for commercial shipping, regional traders, and the burgeoning offshore oil and gas sector.
Efficiency Through Infrastructure
To ensure industry-leading reliability, Minerva is leveraging its massive existing hub in Las Palmas. By sourcing multiple fuel grades and various viscosities from this central location, the company maintains a seamless supply chain that can respond to the high-volume demands of the Mauritanian market.
The operation is supported by a dedicated fleet of bunker tankers from Minerva’s own inventory, including:
- MT Symi
- MT Tethys
- MT Karpathos
The arrival of these vessels provides much-needed density to the local supply network, catering not only to the active regional fishing fleets but also to the sophisticated requirements of deep-water offshore installations.
The Leadership Mandate: Lowering the Total Cost of Bunkers
Tyler Baron, Chief Executive Officer of Minerva Bunkering, said “Minerva’s new operation in Mauritania is consistent with our strategy of increasing the density of the industry’s largest physical supply network. Our mission is to lower our clients’ total cost of bunkers by leveraging supply chain efficiency and providing unmatched performance on fuel quality and quantity – we are excited to now bring this value proposition to vessels operating in Mauritanian waters.”
Market Context: Why Mauritania?
Mauritania has emerged as a high-growth bunkering destination due to its unique position at the intersection of major Atlantic shipping routes and its rich natural resources.
- Offshore Energy: The region is seeing a surge in offshore oil and gas exploration and production, requiring specialized offshore refueling services.
- Fishing Industry: An expansive and active fishing fleet requires consistent, high-quality fuel supply to maintain operations.
- Regional Hub: As a growing trade gateway, Nouakchott and Nouadhibou are increasingly vital for vessels traversing the West African coast.
About Minerva Bunkering
Minerva Bunkering is the global maritime industry’s leading physical supplier of marine fuels and integrated energy solutions, providing services to vessels at more than 150 ports worldwide. By procuring product in bulk from a diverse global supply base, the company delivers high-quality fuel to over 750 active customers across all major commercial shipping sectors, including container shipping, dry bulk, cruise lines, tankers, and ferries.
Minerva Bunkering operates as a wholly owned subsidiary of Mercuria Energy Group, one of the world’s largest privately held energy and commodities trading houses. This partnership provides Minerva with significant financial backing, extensive logistics expertise, and a robust global supply chain.
Source: Minerva Bunkering