Sahara Group has launched bunkering operations in Mauritania after being awarded a 2026 bunkering licence by the Mauritanian government. This move is expected to reinforce the nation's standing as a strategic maritime and trade centre along the West African coastline.
Immediate Supply of Marine Fuels
As part of the rollout, Sahara chartered the FT NERVI, a 7,600 deadweight tonne bunker tanker currently positioned offshore Nouadhibou. The vessel will immediately supply ISO 8217:2022 Marine Gasoil and 0.50 per cent Very Low Sulphur Fuel Oil to international and regional vessels operating within Mauritanian waters.
The company stated that this development aligns with Sahara Group's broader strategy to deploy integrated midstream infrastructure, maritime assets, and trading expertise to support Africa's expanding energy and trade ecosystem.
Significance for Africa's Maritime Economy
Wale Ajibade, Executive Director of Sahara Group, described the development as significant for both Mauritania and Africa's maritime economy. “This development is significant for Mauritania and for Africa’s maritime economy. By establishing operational bunkering capacity in Mauritania, we are supporting port competitiveness, improving vessel turnaround efficiency, and strengthening the infrastructure that enables regional and international trade,” Ajibade said.
Enhancing Port Attractiveness
The company noted that the commencement of bunkering operations is expected to enhance the attractiveness of Mauritanian ports as reliable service points for shipping and offshore activities along the Atlantic corridor. It will also support increased vessel traffic, associated services, and broader participation in global trade flows.
Strengthening Maritime Supply Chains
Sahara further stated that its entry into the Mauritanian bunkering market would strengthen the interconnection of Africa’s maritime supply chains. By enabling vessels operating across West and North-West Africa to access compliant fuels closer to major trading routes, logistics efficiency and resilience will be improved.
Commitment to Quality and Sustainability
Ajibade said the availability of ISO 8217:2022-compliant fuels reflects Sahara’s commitment to internationally recognised marine fuel standards that prioritise quality, safety, and environmental sustainability. He added that the supply of 0.50 per cent Very Low Sulphur Fuel Oil supports the shipping industry’s transition towards lower-emission operations in line with International Maritime Organisation sulphur regulations.
According to the company, the initiative is expected to support efforts to balance trade expansion with environmental responsibility across Africa’s maritime corridors.
Expanding Footprint in Maritime Sector
Sahara stressed that the Mauritania bunkering launch builds on its existing footprint in the maritime and midstream sectors, including the deployment of LPG vessels to support energy access and cleaner cooking initiatives across several African markets. The company added that its operations across the continent have strengthened coastal supply chains, advanced marine-based distribution systems, and reinforced its track record in safe and reliable maritime logistics.
