Since the withdrawal of Addax Energy SA from the bunkering (September 2021), the supply of ships and oil platforms in Mauritania has struggled to regain its normal fluidity. Retained following the departure of the Swiss trader, the Korean SK B&T which has simple barges, pending the necessary investments, is the subject of criticism from the operators. So many boats get their supplies in neighboring Senegal through the Société des Pétroles du Sénégal (Petrosen).
In addition to the shortfall caused by the situation at the Mauritanian State, there are additional costs and delays borne by private operators as well as the Grand-Tortue Ahmeyim (GTA) project.
According to our information, BP and the European Union have hit the table during meetings with the Mauritanian authorities demanding an efficient bunkering service, complaining of high bunkering costs due to a de facto monopoly.
It is certainly in response to his many criticisms that Mauritania intends to launch a call for tenders intended to create the optimal conditions for the supply of petroleum products. It remains to be seen whether the Mauritanian Ministry of Petroleum and Energy as well as the National Hydrocarbons Commission will maintain the same conditions in the expression of interest or will draw all the lessons from the previous situation by using flexibility in order to make the bunkering attractive and competitive compared to the conditions practiced in the sub-region.
