Sonan Energy Panama strengthens its Americas footprint with the appointment of David Ortiz as Trading Manager. Leveraging a decade of high-caliber experience across Dubai, Europe and the United States, Ortiz will drive commercial activities and regional growth from the company’s Panama City office. This strategic hire underscores Sonan’s commitment to establishing Panama as a central node for its global bunker trading operations.
Panama City, Panama | March 16, 2026 – Sonan Energy Panama, a key regional arm of the Sonan Bunkers Group, has confirmed the appointment of David Ortiz as Trading Manager. Based in Panama City, Ortiz joins the firm during a period of aggressive expansion as the company scales its commercial infrastructure to serve the evolving maritime energy needs of the Americas.
The appointment highlights Sonan Energy’s strategy of integrating seasoned international talent into the Panama hub. In his new capacity, Ortiz will lead the company’s trading activities, acting as a strategic liaison for shipowners and operators transiting the Panama Canal and trading across the Western Hemisphere.
A Decade of Global Exposure: From Dubai to the Americas
David Ortiz brings a robust professional pedigree to Sonan Energy Panama, characterized by nearly ten years of front-line maritime operations and a disciplined approach to market volatility.
- Elite Foundation: Ortiz began his professional career with a disciplined mindset shaped by four years of service as a U.S. Marine, an experience that provided the leadership and organizational skills essential for high-stakes commodity trading.
- Middle East Market Entry: He entered the bunker industry in May 2016 in Dubai, where he spent over a year navigating one of the world’s most competitive bunkering hubs.
- U.S. Expansion: Following his tenure in the UAE, Ortiz spent eight years operating in the United States market, developing extensive market intelligence and long-standing relationships with global stakeholders.
- Global Integration: His career has seen him manage portfolios across Asia, Europe, and the Americas, an asset Sonan intends to leverage as it expands its footprint in the regional market.
Strengthening the Regional Trading Core
The move is seen as a tactical reinforcement of Sonan’s internal structure in Panama. Hernan Ortiz, Managing Director of Sonan Energy Panama, highlighted the value of David’s international background and disciplined approach to the trading desk.
“David brings a strong international background and a disciplined mindset. His professional experience across Asia, Europe, and the Americas brings significant value to the continued growth of Sonan Energy Panama and the development of our new regional office.”
The statement signals a focus on “disciplined growth,” moving to capture a larger share of the market as Panama continues to grow as a strategic alternative to traditional U.S. Gulf bunkering ports.
Panama: A Gateway to the Americas
The appointment follows the official inauguration of Sonan’s newly established office in Panama City earlier this month. The firm described the opening as an “important milestone” reflecting the company’s vision and dedication to delivering reliable fuel solutions in the region.
The physical expansion into this new space provides the necessary infrastructure for the group’s trading activities. As the maritime industry faces mounting pressure to optimize fuel procurement and navigate the energy transition, the addition of a Trading Manager with deep international exposure suggests that Sonan Energy Panama is moving beyond setup and into full-scale market penetration.
Ortiz’s permanent relocation to Panama effectively “anchors” the new office, providing the commercial leadership required to turn the new physical presence into a high-volume trading powerhouse serving clients from Canada to Panama.
Sonan Bunkers Group: From Bunkering to Energy Solutions
Founded in 2014, Sonan Bunkers Group has built its reputation as a trusted, independent supplier of marine fuels, known for its financial strength, client focus, and strict quality control. The group is now pushing beyond traditional bunkering, positioning itself as a forward-thinking energy partner aligned with the maritime industry’s decarbonization goals.
The group’s footprint now spans nine critical maritime jurisdictions:
- Europe: London (HQ), Athens, Oslo, Rotterdam, Denmark
- Middle East & Asia: Dubai, Singapore
- The Americas: Rio de Janeiro, Panama
With a core mission centered on sustainability, reliability, and customer satisfaction, Sonan is driving innovation through the development of cleaner fuel alternatives, enhanced digital solutions, and global talent acquisition.
Source: Sonan Energy Panama