How to Get Fuel Delivery to a Ship at Sea in Africa – Offshore Bunkering by Wigmore Trading
For vessels operating in African waters—especially oil tankers, cargo ships, offshore support vessels (OSVs), and fishing fleets—there are times when returning to port just to refuel is not practical or cost-effective. In such cases, fuel delivery at sea, also known as offshore bunkering, becomes essential.
But how do you arrange fuel delivery to a ship at sea in Africa safely, legally, and reliably? That’s where Wigmore Trading comes in. We provide compliant, efficient offshore bunkering solutions to vessels operating off the coasts of Nigeria, Ghana, Angola, Namibia, and beyond.
What Is Offshore Bunkering?
Offshore bunkering refers to the refueling of ships while they are at anchor or offshore, using a supply vessel (bunker barge or tanker) to deliver marine fuel directly to the ship.
This service is ideal for:
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Ships on long voyages
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Offshore platforms and rigs
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Support vessels operating in deep water
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Vessels that need quick turnaround without docking
How to Arrange Fuel Delivery at Sea in Africa
1. Choose a Certified Bunkering Provider
Work with a licensed company like Wigmore Trading that:
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Has access to certified fuel supply vessels
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Meets local maritime regulations in countries like Nigeria, Ghana, or Angola
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Provides clean, MARPOL-compliant fuel grades (e.g., IFO, MGO, DMA)
2. Share Your Vessel and Fuel Details
You’ll need to provide:
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Vessel name, IMO number, and coordinates
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Fuel type and quantity required
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Estimated time and location for bunkering
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Local agent or port clearance documents (if applicable)
Wigmore Trading uses this info to plan a safe and timely delivery via a bunker barge or tanker.
3. Coordinate with Authorities
Depending on your location, you may need:
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Maritime authority clearance
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Customs and NNPC (Nigeria) or GNPC (Ghana) fuel movement permits
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Environmental and safety checks
Wigmore Trading can help you navigate local regulations and secure the necessary approvals.
4. Delivery via Bunker Barge or Support Vessel
We coordinate fuel deliveries using:
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Local bunker barges for coastal operations
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Larger tankers for deep-sea refueling
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Floating storage units (FSUs) for remote areas
Fuel is transferred using calibrated meters, flow meters, and MARPOL-compliant practices.
Where Wigmore Trading Offers Offshore Bunkering
We support fuel delivery off the coasts of:
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Nigeria – Lagos, Bonny, Brass, Escravos, Offshore Delta
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Ghana – Tema anchorage, Takoradi, deepwater blocks
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Angola – Luanda and Cabinda offshore
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Namibia – Walvis Bay support vessels
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Senegal, Ivory Coast, and Gabon – upon request
Benefits of Offshore Fuel Delivery
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✅ Saves port docking time and costs
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✅ Supports continuous operations for offshore fleets
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✅ Prevents delays in tight charter schedules
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✅ Reduces congestion at busy ports
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✅ Improves fuel management flexibility
Why Choose Wigmore Trading?
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Licensed and experienced in West African offshore logistics
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Supplies clean, traceable marine fuels
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Offers 24/7 delivery coordination
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Works closely with marine agents and port authorities
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Provides reliable documentation and invoicing
Whether you operate a commercial fleet or offshore platform, Wigmore Trading can help deliver marine fuel at sea—safely, on time, and within regulations.
Conclusion
Getting fuel delivered to a ship at sea in Africa requires the right partner. From coordinating fuel type and logistics to meeting maritime regulations, every step must be precise. Wigmore Trading offers trusted, efficient offshore bunkering services to keep your vessel moving—wherever you are on the African coast.
Contact Wigmore Trading today to schedule offshore bunkering or learn more about marine fuel delivery services.
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