Bunker-only agency
A fuel stop at Mombasa, Kenya, on one instruction: permission, position, barge, surveyor, delivery note and departure, with the crew change and the spares done by the same launch. Own desk.
Mombasa is Kilindini Harbour, a deep natural harbour on Kenya's coast that takes the largest vessels trading on the East African seaboard, and bunkers are delivered at berth and by ship-to-ship transfer at the anchorage, and pilotage is compulsory through the Likoni channel. Vessels on passage call for bunkers without loading cargo, and a bunker call is judged by one measure: how long the vessel is off passage. Maingate Shipping's bunker call agency at Mombasa is built around that measure.
The desk is appointed by owners, managers, operators and by the bunker traders and suppliers themselves. Where the supplier and the receiving vessel both nominate Maingate, one desk coordinates both sides of the delivery and the vessel receives one account.
Bunker deliveries are where quantity disputes are born. Surveyors for the vessel's interests attend soundings and sampling, the bunker delivery note is witnessed, and any protest is recorded at the time so that the owner has the evidence if the figures are argued later.
A bunker call at Mombasa starts with the stem: quantity, grade, supplier and the delivery mode the supplier offers. The desk files the port's notification, applies for the anchorage position or the berth, and fixes the delivery time with the supplier against the vessel's ETA and the weather forecast.
Owners still shopping for fuel are given the names of suppliers and traders serving the port; the desk does not sell fuel and does not take a margin on it.
The transfer at Mombasa follows the port's rules for the mode: ship-to-ship at anchorage with a mooring master and fenders, or barge at berth. Weather sets the window, and the desk moves the delivery rather than force it into a sea state the supplier will not work in.
The boarding officer is on deck for the connection and the soundings and stays until the delivery note is signed.
Surveyors appointed by the owner attend the delivery and issue their quantity report. Where the vessel's figures and the supplier's figures differ, a letter of protest is issued and recorded before the barge lets go. The desk keeps the samples' custody documentation with the delivery note.
For traders and suppliers appointing the desk, the same attendance serves their side of the delivery, with the roles set out in writing.
A bunker call is the moment to change crew, land spares, take provisions and deliver cash to master, and the desk fits these into the same stop through Moi International Airport and by launch. Nothing waits for a separate visit.
The account shows the port charges, the agency fee, the launch hire and the services delivered, each with its receipt, and reconciles against the advance.
Yes, at the anchorage by supply tanker under the port's permission for ship-to-ship transfer, subject to the weather.
No. The desk acts as agent for the call and, where appointed, for the supplier's delivery; it does not trade fuel.
Yes. Crew, spares, provisions and cash to master are fitted into the same stop.
The boarding officer attends throughout, and independent surveyors appointed by the owner attend the soundings and sampling and issue the quantity report.
Receipts behind every line, a record behind every stoppage, a desk behind every call.
Desks that go with a fuel stop at Mombasa.
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Maingate Shipping Limited · Express Building, Moi Avenue, Mombasa, Kenya · ops@maingateshipping.com · +254 784 622 091