Monjasa has begun transitioning its regional tanker fleet to the UAE flag, starting with the 9,600 dwt Monjasa Shaker during its renewal at Dubai Maritime City. This strategic move reinforces Monjasa’s 20-year commitment to the Emirates and positions the company as a pioneering international owner within the UAE registry. By localizing its fleet, Monjasa enhances its operational footprint while ensuring its tankers meet the highest efficiency and compliance standards for the Middle Eastern bunker market.
Dubai | April 27, 2026 – Global bunkering powerhouse Monjasa has announced a strategic shift in its Middle Eastern operations, transitioning its entire regional fleet to the UAE flag. The move, finalized during a major drydocking campaign in April 2026, makes Monjasa one of the first international shipowners to place significant tanker tonnage under the United Arab Emirates national registry.
The transition began with the official reflagging of the Monjasa Shaker (9,600 dwt) on April 9, 2026. This milestone is the first step in a broader initiative that will see the company’s other fully-owned regional tankers, the Monjasa Server (9,600 dwt) and Monjasa Shipper (7,991 dwt), follow suit, creating a fully UAE-flagged fleet dedicated to the Arabian Gulf.
A Milestone for Regional Maritime Operations
The reflagging took place at Dubai Maritime City while the Monjasa Shaker underwent a scheduled drydocking and 3rd class renewal at the Albwardy Damen shipyard.
Beyond the administrative shift to the UAE registry, the vessel underwent extensive technical upgrades to ensure peak operational efficiency, including:
- Engine & Deck Overhauls: Comprehensive servicing to maintain high performance.
- Advanced Coating: Complete hull blasting and repainting using specialized coatings to reduce drag and support regulatory compliance.
- Operational Readiness: Ensuring the tanker is equipped for immediate deployment across multiple UAE ports.
Strategic Rationale: 20 Years in the Emirates
By moving its tonnage to the local flag, Monjasa is aligning itself closer to the UAE’s growing maritime infrastructure and regulatory ecosystem. The decision reflects the company’s two-decade history in the region and its role as a key physical supplier in one of the world’s busiest bunkering hubs.
“Reflagging Monjasa Shaker to the UAE registry supports our core operations in the region, where our fleet serves customers daily across multiple UAE ports,” said Anders Østergaard, Monjasa Group CEO. “It also reflects our strong connection to the country following 20 years of maritime operations in the Emirates.”
The company extended its gratitude to its partners, Albwardy Damen and Montec, for their operational support during the renewal process, which is expected to be fully finalized by the end of April.
About Monjasa
Established in Denmark in 2002, Monjasa has evolved into a global top 10 marine fuels supplier. The group operates as a specialized partner in the oil and shipping industries, focusing on the physical supply and reselling of marine fuels, supported by its own extensive ship-owning activities.
In 2024, Monjasa reported a total revenue of USD 4.5 billion, executing approximately 15,000 supply operations annually. With a global workforce of over 600 specialists, the company operates from key offices in Europe, the Americas, the Middle East, Africa, and Asia. Monjasa’s fleet currently consists of approximately 35 tankers and barges, enabling a presence in over 700 ports worldwide, including major hubs like Singapore, Panama, and Northwest Europe.
Monjasa is recognized for its financial strength, boasting a consolidated equity of USD 444 million and an industry-leading equity ratio of 55.6%. The company holds a comprehensive suite of ISO certifications (ISO 9001, 14001, 45001, 50001, and 27001), underscoring its commitment to quality, safety, and environmental stewardship.
Source: Monjasa