CHANCAY, PERU — In a defining moment for Peru’s emerging maritime logistics sector, Van-Oil Group has successfully completed the first SIMOPS (Simultaneous Operations) ship-to-ship (STS) bunkering operation at the newly operational Chancay Port. This landmark operation was conducted at berth, where the bunker barge Aquinnah Dos delivered VLSFO (Very Low Sulphur Fuel Oil) to the container ship OOCL CHENNAI — all while the vessel’s cargo operations proceeded uninterrupted.
This achievement marks Van-Oil Group as the first physical bunker supplier to perform SIMOPS STS bunkering at Chancay, redefining the fuel supply standard in Peru and setting a new operational benchmark for international carriers operating along the West Coast of South America.
SIMOPS STS Bunkering at Port of Chancay: Raising the Bar for Operational Efficiency
The operation reflects a significant leap forward in logistical agility. Unlike Peru’s primary Callao Port — where simultaneous bunkering and cargo handling are prohibited due to space and safety constraints — Chancay is designed to support advanced maritime logistics, including SIMOPS.
“This operation represents the culmination of meticulous planning and collaborative engagement with the operations, security, and commercial divisions of Cosco Shipping Ports Chancay Perú,” said Lianne Weijters, Commercial Manager at Van-Oil Group.
“Executing the first-ever SIMOPS bunkering delivery at berth marks a pivotal advancement for container vessel operations in Peru. While ports like Callao face operational constraints that prohibit fuel deliveries alongside, Chancay’s design and protocols enable simultaneous cargo handling and bunkering — a transformative advantage. This capability translates directly into measurable time savings, enhanced operational continuity, and significant cost efficiencies for our clients — particularly those navigating tight schedules on long-haul routes,” Weijters added.
SIMOPS bunkering requires meticulous planning, strict safety protocols, and real-time coordination with terminal operators — all of which were executed flawlessly by Van-Oil’s team.
Why Port of Chancay, Why Now? A Strategic Shift in Peru’s Port Landscape
The timing of this milestone is no coincidence. While Callao handled nearly 3 million TEUs in 2024, it continues to face congestion, operational bottlenecks, and rising pressure on berth availability. In contrast, Chancay Port, developed by Cosco Shipping Ports and inaugurated in late 2024, offers a natural draft of 17.8 meters, next-generation port infrastructure, and unmatched flexibility.
Chancay reduces shipping time to Asia by approximately 10 days, and initial projections estimate the port will handle 1 to 1.5 million TEUs annually during its early operational phase.
Van-Oil Group’s decision to lead fuel logistics at Chancay demonstrates not only operational expertise but also a keen strategic vision — delivering value exactly where the market is shifting.
Pioneering SIMOPS STS Bunkering: A Competitive Edge
The successful execution of this ship-to-ship bunkering during port operations reflects Van-Oil’s readiness to lead in the future of marine fuel services. As global carriers demand shorter turnaround times and integrated fuel solutions, SIMOPS is becoming a must-have capability rather than a luxury.
“By executing Peru’s first SIMOPS STS bunkering at Chancay, Van-Oil Group has stepped confidently into a leadership position,” said Weijters. “This is not just a technical achievement — it’s a strategic capability that benefits carriers looking to optimize schedules, reduce idle time, and enhance fuel procurement efficiency in an increasingly competitive shipping environment.”
VLSFO: The Optimal Fuel Choice for Latin America’s Shipping Corridor
In the Latin American maritime region, Very Low Sulphur Fuel Oil (VLSFO) has emerged as the preferred fuel solution for compliance with IMO 2020 sulphur regulations, balancing performance, cost-efficiency, and environmental considerations. Offering a maximum sulphur content of 0.5%, VLSFO enables vessels to meet stringent emissions standards while maintaining operational flexibility and engine compatibility across diverse vessel types.
Given the region’s dense container and bulk trade routes—often involving complex port calls and variable refueling opportunities—VLSFO presents a reliable, widely available bunker option that supports smooth vessel operations without the need for costly scrubber installations or alternative fuels requiring significant engine modifications.
Van-Oil Group’s strategic supply of VLSFO at Chancay aligns perfectly with the evolving needs of shipowners seeking regulatory compliance, cost control, and fuel quality assurance in one package — reinforcing its role as a forward-thinking, customer-centric marine fuel supplier in Latin America.
A Bold First Step, Strategically Executed
Van-Oil Group’s SIMOPS STS bunkering at Port of Chancay is more than a successful fuel delivery — it is a blueprint for the future of marine energy supply in Latin America. It combines technical precision, safety, timing, and vision — all delivered during the critical early days of Chancay’s operational launch.
In an era of rapid port development, environmental regulation, and vessel turnaround pressure, Van-Oil Group has proven that readiness, innovation, and collaboration remain the most valuable assets in modern bunkering.
Van-Oil Group: Regional Powerhouse in Marine Fuel Supply
Van-Oil Group is a leading integrated physical supplier of marine fuel products. Founded in 1999, the company is the main marine fuel supplier in all Peruvian ports and an active trader in Panama, Colombia, Ecuador, and Chile. Headquartered in Rotterdam, The Netherlands, Van-Oil is trusted by top-tier shipowners and operators worldwide, delivering operational reliability and sustainable supply strategies across the Americas.
Van-Oil’s customer base includes many of the world’s largest container, tanker, and bulk vessel operators — all of whom are seeking reliable, agile, and innovative marine fuel supply partners.
Source Van-Oil Petroleum Group