The New Port of Fujairah - Aegean Marine Petroleum Network Inc.

Aegean News
T H E
Q U A R T E R L Y
M A G A Z I N E
O F
A E G E A N
SPRING 2009
Interview
Captain
Mousa Murad
General Manager,
Port of Fujairah
Marine
Lubricants
Aegean - Gulf Oil
Sea Lub Alliance
Retail
The Crete
Market
Plus
Aegean Update
Flows & Currents
The New Port
of Fujairah
Global Oil Hub
editorial
As the global financial crisis continues to dominate
Aegean
Core Activities
our attention, there are signs that measures taken to
date by the G20 and other countries are protecting
markets, preventing a more acute downturn, and stabilizing national economies.
Although high-growth economies such as China
and India are moving ahead at slower rates, they are
nevertheless growing at 4-6 %, an attractive position
compared with other nations, including the U.S. and the Eurozone.
The slowdown in growth is deeply affecting global trade, the cornerstone of
the international shipping industry. At the same time, companies with a strong
vision for growth, a prudent and calculated strategy, are able to position themselves and be fully prepared for “the day after,’ when an increase in demand will
translate to greater fuel needs.
Aegean is pursuing a strategy of calculated growth that anticipates a more
healthy global economy. By being proactive today, it is setting the foundation
to take on increased challenges and be at the forefront of tomorrow’s markets.
Aegean Oil Terminal Corporation’s planned investments in the Port of Fujairah are indicative of the strategy for a strong presence in important centers
of global shipping. The establishment of stations, by Aegean Marine Petroleum,
in Trinidad and Tobago, complementing the stations in Jamaica, are creating a
strategically important stronghold in the Caribbean.
Just a short time ago, ALFA Marine Lubricants entered the market. Today
ALFA Marine Lubricants are being sold at 450 points around the globe.
Domestically, Aegean’s retail market share continues to advance and the
network of gas stations being established in Crete, already commanding a 3%
market share, indicates how the public responds to a company that puts the
customer first, offering consistently good service, quality fuel, and the most
competitive prices in the market.
In every crisis lies an opportunity. Aegean is committed to taking advantage of
every opportunity and to place its customers at the core of its growth strategy.
Retail
àAEGEAN OIL has established a gas stations network throughout Greece, and
is one of the fastest growing companies
in the retail market. AEGEAN’S gasoline
market share in Greece is 9.3%.
Shipping
à AEGEAN SHIPPING manages a fleet of
tankers, ranging from 3,500DWT to
100,000 DWT, that transfers and delivers
oil to our clients throughout the world. All
ships meet ISM standards.
Bunkering
àIn Piraeus, Gibraltar, Kingston, Ocho Rios,
Montego Bay, Antwerp, Portland UK, Tema in Ghana, United Arab Emirates, Singapore, Montreal and Vancouver, AEGEAN
MARINE PETROLEUM is a leader in providing the best bunkering services available.
In Piraeus, AEGEAN MARINE PETROLEUM
is the market leader in bunkering.
Agency Services
à Ships from around the world rely on AEGEAN AGENCY services at Piraeus, Gibraltar,
and Jamaica, from loading and discharging, to spare parts and supplies.
Lubricants
à AEGEAN OIL produces and markets high
Raymond Matera
Publisher
performance lubricants for vehicles and
industrial use, under the AEGEAN brand
and AEGEAN MARINE PETROLEUM trades
and supplies lubricants for the marine
market under the ALFA brand.
SPRING 2009 AEGEAN NEWS
contents
12
Captain Mousa Murad, General Manager
of the Port of Fujairah, talks to Aegean
News about the strategic importance of
the Port in bunkering and shipping
CODE: 5169
Spring 2009
Aegean News is published
quarterly by AEGEAN
Publisher & Managing Editor
Raymond Matera
CONTRIBUTING Editor
J. Georgana
DESIGN
Snack
Printing and Binding
Korifi Publications SA
Owner
Aegean
42 Hatzikyriakou Street
185 38, Piraeus, Greece
Tel: +30 210 458 6000
Fax: +30 210 458 6241
E-Mail: info@aegeanoil.gr
Internet: www.aegeanoil.gr,
www.ampni.com
Comments and suggestions are welcome.
Aegean News is free of charge and is available, subject to availability, to
any interested person or organization.
Please Recycle
10
National Merchant Marine Academy students
during their visit to Aegean’s headquarters
4 AEGEAN UPDATE
8 N
ATIONAL MERCHANT MARINE
ACADEMY OF HYDRA
10 F LOWS AND CURRENTS
Trends and News in the Oil and Energy Fields
12 INTERVIEW
Captain Mousa Murad, General Manager Port of Fujairah
14 S
HIPPING
New Ships Join the Fleet
16 B
UNKERING
Gibraltar Flag in New Ships
17 RETAIL
Aegean in the Fourth Place of Total Fuel Sales
18 R
ETAIL
The Cretan Market
24
The alliance in the marine lubricants sector
between Aegean Marine Petroleum and Gulf Oil
Marine is of strategic importance
20 STATIONS OF THE MONTH
❚ Douroudakis Ioannis—Didimotiho
❚ Sergianidis P. & Pagalos X.—Eliki, Egion
22 RETAIL
Aegean Lubricants: The Art of Quality Control
24 LUBRICANTS
Aegean - Gulf Oil: Sea Lub Alliance
27 HISTORYOF AUTOMOBILE
Modern Era
28 ENVIRONMENT Children and the Environment
30 ROOTS
Expressions with a Past
31 AEGEAN IMAGE
Products That Say “We’re Different”
SPRING 2009 AEGEAN NEWS A e g ea n
Upda te
Mr. D. Melissanidis, Captain K. Maragoudakis, Mr. S.Fokas and Mr. Metey arriving at Gibraltar airport
Mr. D.Melissanidis and Mr. S.Fokas at Goosebay Airport in Canada
In the photos from left: Mr. D.Mellisanidis with Trinidad Energy Minister Mr. Conrad Enill and Jamaica Energy Minister Mr. Clive Mullings
Aegean Management Visits Stations Abroad
Mr. Dimitris Melissanidis, accompanied by Mr.
Spyros Fokas and Aegean executives, travelled with Aegean’s jet to London, Jamaica,
Trinidad, New York, Canada and Gibraltar to
visit company stations, to meet personnel and
associates, and to underscore positive relations with the local governmental authorities.
The journey began February 18, with the first
stop in Jamaica, where the Aegean delegation had meetings with the Prime Minister,
Mr. Bruce Golding, the Minister for Energy,
AEGEAN NEWS SPRING 2009
Mr. Clive Mullings and Petrojam executives.
Trinidad and Tobago were the next destinations, and meetings were held with the Minister for Energy Mr. Conrad Enill, to whom Mr.
Melissanidis officially presented Aegean’s
worldwide activities, the company’s future
development plans, and proposals that the
company can develop in the shipping industry of the country.
Subsequently, the Aegean delegation met
with the President of Petrotrin and members
of the executive team and Mr. Melissanidis
discussed the commercial cooperation
between the two companies and the commencement of Aegean’s business activities
in Trinidad and Tobago.
In Gibraltar, Mr. Melissanidis had a meeting
with the Prime Minister, Mr. Peter Caruana,
and the Minister of Trade, Transport and
Telecommunications, Mr. Joe Holiday and
discussed, among other things, Aegean’s
presence in Gibraltar.
I.B.I.A (International Bunkering Industry
Association) Event
New Stations
in Aegean’s Retail
Network
Τhe Aegean network is growing throughout
the country. Listed below are the stations
that have started displaying the Aegean
Logo during the past three months.
129, ELEYTHERIOU VENIZELOU-N.SMYRNI
ASIMAKOPOULOS GEORGE
2ND KM N.R. LIVADIA-DELFI, LIVADIA
MANOUSKOS S. IOANNIS
137 AG.MELETIOU, ATHENS
FLERIS EP. ANTONIOS
On the occasion of the International Petroleum Week, which took place this
year in London from February 16 to 19, I.B.I.A, the International Bunker Industry Association, held their annual dinner, which took place at The Hilton on
the evening of February 16.
Aegean, once again, sponsored the event and its guests had the opportunity to
meet friends and associates and discuss, in a relaxing and pleasant atmosphere,
developments in the bunkering and shipping industry.
OREOI EVIA, EVIA
KOLAROS NIKOLAOS
40, MEG. ALEXANDROU, EGALEO
GALANIS N. IOANNIS
295 KIFISIAS AVE. , KIFISIA
PAPPAS Ι. & CO.
ELIKA NEAPOLIS BOIA, LACONIA
MARAVELIAS IOANNIS
12 ATHENS-SOUNION RD , KERATEA
ANTONIOU IOANNA & CO
GONIA RETHYMNON, CRETE
DASKALOMARKAKIS GEORGE
TYLISOS HERAKLION, CRETE
KOUVIDOU PAN. ELENI
5 KM KARDITSA-ATHENS, KARDITSA
FINA OIL S.A
VALTERO IRAKLIAS, SERRES PREFECTURE
NATSIOS IOANNIS
CHRYSOHORAFA IRAKLIAS, SERRES PREFECTURE
TYLLIOU PETROULA
ERATINO CHRYSOUPOLIS, KAVALA PREFECTURE
TZEMALIS ANDREAS
Ν. PETRITSI, ΠΕΤΡΙΤΣΙ, SERRES PREFECTURE
ΝΟΥLIS PETROS
REG.RD ARRIANON-N.SANTAS,
RODOPI PREFECTURE
ΝΙΖΑΜ GIOULIZAR
KOUFOVOUNO, DIDIMOTIHO
RIZOUDIS Ι. GEORGE
SPRING 2009 AEGEAN NEWS A e g ea n
Upda te
Marine Chronicle Awards
“Shipping Personalities of 2008”
Mr. D. Melissanidis and Mrs. Maria Lekakou; Assistant
Professor of Shipping and Business Services at the
University of Aegean
Each year, Marine Chronicle (Naftika Chronika) magazine honors
shipping personalities who have
left their mark in the industry
during the previous year, through
their actions, their positions, and
their proposals. In the past, the
selection committee consisted of
the magazine’s columnists; this
year the selection was made for
the first time from a team comprised of 10 university professors
with a knowledge of shipping and
five shipping journalists. Notably,
the 10 shipping personalities and
the five politicians were selected
unanimously. Aegean’s founder,
Mr. Dimitris Melissanidis, was
voted one of the shipping personalities of 2008. The other personalities who stood out in the shipping
environment were Mr. Ioannis
Aggeliskousis, Mr. Nikos Varvates,
Mr. Yiannis Vardinoyiannis, Mr.
Kostas Grammenos, Ms. Eleni
Thanopoulou, Mr. Alkis Korres,
Mr. Yiannis Koustas, Mr. Vaislis Konstantakopoulos, Captain
Panayiotis Tsakos, Mr. Anastasios
Aliferis, Mr. Stavros Dimas, and
Ms. Rodi Kratsa-Tsagaropoulou.
Aegean Participates
in Tree Planting
At the beginning of this year more than 30,000
civilians participated in a tree planting program
at Mt. Pentelikon and, according to estimates,
more than 40,000 small trees were planted in
an effort to turn the mountain green again.
Once again expressing its environmental sensitivities, Αegean was present, through the participation of colleague George Geroyiannis from
the IT department.
AEGEAN NEWS SPRING 2009
New Aegean
Personnel
The following employees have joined the
Aegean work force
AEGEAN OIL Bitzilou Eleni
Chrisostomidou Efrosini
Delisavvas Panayiotis
Papadakis Konstantinos
Skalas Konstantinos
ΑEGEAN MARINE PETROLEUM
Gikas Filotas
Kapetanaki Ioanna
Kontraros Dimitrios
Lekodimitris Stavros
Theodorou Panayiota
AEGEAN BUNKERING SERVICES
Louvaris Ioannis
Tsaxirli Soumela
HELLENIC ENVIRONMENTAL CENTER
Andronikos Konstantinos
Balayianni Eleni
Manias Dimitrios
Topalidis Alexandros
Triandou Vasiliki
AGENCY Apostolidou Katerina
Logging On
Customers and associates of Aegean
may visit the company’s website, www.
aegeanoil.gr, to learn about the company’s activities. Bunkering customers
may register online to conduct business
and maintain contact with the bunkering
department at www.ampni.com.
Mr. M. Psaromihelakis of HEC
Addresses Piraeus Port Authority Event
From left: Mr. Dionysios Behrakis, OLP Board President; Mr. Filippos Kondaxis, President Port Authority of Rafina;
Mr. Panagiotis Stamatoyiannis, HEC; Mr. Minas Kapetanakis, CEO Port Authority of Heraklion; Mr. Sotiris Mamasis,
CEO Port Authority of Patras
On Thursday, February 5, the
official awarding of the PERS (Port
Environmental Review System)
certificate to Piraeus Port Authority
(OLP) took place, at the Port
Authority headquarters in Piraeus.
The certification PERS is awarded to
European Ports (to date 32 European
ports have been certified) and offers
a series of economic and operational
benefits to ports that become certified.
At the same time, it is a valuable tool
in the recognition of issues entailing
environmental risk and liability,
which may affect, in a negative way,
the operation of Ports. Present at the
event were the General Secretary of
Ports and Port Policy Mr. G. Vlahos
and Mercantile Marine Ministry
officials, Aristotelian University
of Thessaloniki Professor Mr. A.
Mr. M. Psaromihelakis during his speech
From left: Mr. G. Vlahos, General Secretary of Ports and Port
Policy; Mr. Filippos Kondaxis; Mr. P.Stamatoyiannis
Nanopoulos and Piraeus University
Professor B. Tselendis, officials from
the distinguished Port Bodies of
the European Union, ECOPORTS
and ESPO, and CEOs of most of the
country’s Port Authorities.
HEC, present, as always, at every
effort of the Greek Ports in their
development at the environmental
level (it is thanks to HECs activities
that OLP achieved this honored
distinction), was represented by
its CEO Mr. P. Stamatoyiannis and
Research and Development Manager
Mr. M. Psaromihelakis, who, as
EUROSHORE President, greeted the
audience on behalf of the European
Companies active as Reception
Facilities in Europe’s Ports, and
answered questions and concerns of
those present.
SPRING 2009 AEGEAN NEWS A e g ea n
Upda te
Future Captains
Visit Aegean Headquarters
BY Gounelas Panayiotis | Marine Superintendent ABS
On March 27 the second-year class of Captains of the National Merchant Marine Academy of
Hydra paid an educational visit to Aegean’s offices.
T
he 24 Captains-to be were accompanied by the Commander
of the Academy and Captain of
the Coast Guard Mr. Ioannis Fotopoulos; the Dean of studies and Merchant
Marine Captain Mr. Vasilios Dafoulis;
and Deputy Dean of Studies Mr. Vasilios Stavropoulos. As the cadets arrived
at Aegean’s offices they were greeted by
AEGEAN NEWS SPRING 2009
company representatives. Mr. Konstantellos, Personnel Manager; Captain
Kyriakos Maragoudakis and Captain
Panayiotis Gounelas, Marine Superintendent ABS, welcomed them. Following coffee and snacks, the students
visited the company’s audio-video
area and were given an overview of the
Aegean Group as well as a special pre-
sentation prepared especially for the
occasion. After the presentation the
students were given a tour of Aegean’s
departments and were briefed by the
manager of each division.
Following the company tour the
students gathered in the VIP room
and received commemorative objects
as gifts from Aegean.
The National Merchant Marine Academy of Hydra
The National Merchant Marine Academy is the first Marine Academy in Greece and a tangible expression of the Hellenic maritime tradition.
The Academy began operation in 1749, at first as a school
with the name "Saint Nikolaos" and in 1800 it began operation
as the Merchant Marine Academy of Hydra, an initiative of the
island’s Elders.
In the years prior to the Greek War of Independence, foreign
teachers, primarily from Portugal and Italy, taught naval theory
and foreign languages at the Academy.
In 1927, under the auspices of the Naval Society of Hydra, a
private Naval College began operation.
In 1930, the State established the National Merchant Marine
Academy as we know it today.
Since 1930 the Academy has been housed in the Manor that
was once owned by local ship masters Anastasios Tsamados and
Athanasios Koulouras, which had been bestowed to the State
exclusively for the operation of the Academy.
During the Second World War and until 1948 the Academy
operated in Athens and Piraeus (Kastela). The first educational
ship of the Academy was the "Saint George" of the ship master
Tsigaris, the second was the "Electra" and the third "Eugene
Eugenidis".
Since 1989 the system of alternate training has been in practice. According to this system students between the 1st and 2nd
and 4th and 5th semesters travel on board merchant ships for
5-6 and 6-7 month periods respectively, applying in practice
the theory they have learned at the Academy. Studies at the
Academy are spread over four years. To date, 2,800 captains
have graduated from the Academy.
SPRING 2009 AEGEAN NEWS Flows
&
Currents
Increased Oil Production from Prinos
Obama Announces
Scheme
for Environment
Friendly Vehicles
The Department of Energy in the United
States will dedicate 2.4 billion dollars
for the development of hybrid and
electric vehicles which will make the
States a pioneer in new transportation
technologies.
“We can let tomorrow’s jobs be created
abroad or create them here in America
and set the foundations for long term
prosperity” stated the President of the
United States Barak Obama. The money
will go to the development of new
generation electric hybrid vehicles and
advanced batteries for the vehicles of
the future. The scheme, the President
It is expected that by the end of the year the dynamics of the new oil extraction in the sea
region north of Kavala, will reach 5000 barrels per day, compared with the 1300 barrels produced today. The project has been undertaken by Aegean Energy Company, which has been
the new major shareholder of Kavala Oil since December 2007. The forecast is for 10,000
barrels per day output by 2010. The investment is close to 200 million dollars and the first
extraction is taking place at the Northern Prinos deposit at a depth of 3,200 meters.
The story of extraction in the Prinos area goes back to 1974 with the discovery of the first
oil deposit.
Τhe “Green” Island of Ai Stratis
Ai Stratis will be the first “green” island in an experimental program in
Greece meant to cover all the island’s energy needs exclusively from the sun
and the wind.
The primary reason for choosing this little island of the 260 inhabitants is its
very small size, 42 square kilometers, which means that the investment will
be relatively small. The other reason is that some preparation had taken place
a few years back. Specifically, the Community Administration of the island,
together with the Prefecture of Lesvos and the university of Aegean. had conducted a technico-economic study, aiming to duplicate the successful model
of the Danish island Samso, which covers all its energy needs from Renewable Energy Sources.
According to Ministry of Development sources. the investment will reach
three million Euros and will concentrate on wind generators and photovoltaics. The first tenders are expected to be announced this fall. Upon completion
of the project, Ai Stratis will be the only island in the world which will not
be connected to the national electricity grid and which will cover its needs
exclusively from the sun and the wind.
promised, will create thousands of new
jobs and in long term will decrease the
country’s dependency on foreign oil.
By 2015, one million environment
friendly vehicles are expected to
circulate on American roads, announced
Mr/ Obama. To achieve this target, the
incentive for the purchase of electric
hybrid vehicles will be in the form of a
tax exemption reaching 7,500 dollars.
“The country leading the way in the
sector of energy will be the country
leading the world in the 21 century”
stated the President.
10 AEGEAN NEWS SPRING 2009
Clean Energy from the World’s
Most Powerful Laser System
California scientists at the National Ignition Facility
(NIF) will attempt to produce clean energy using the
World’s Most Powerful Laser System. The experiment
is to commence soon and will last for three years.
The scientists will fire 192 separate laser beams,
capable of generating 500 trillion watts, which for
one-trillionth of a second will be 2,000 times more
powerful than all the power plants in the United States.
The energy pulse will concentrate on a tiny pellet of hydrogen, to mimic the reactions that
take place inside the sun.
Over the next year the scientists will try to refine the process until they trigger a nuclear
reaction capable of producing large amounts of energy.
The laser system is installed in a 10 floor building the size of three football courts.
Fish to Fight
Pollution
Google in the Battle
Against Global Warming
Google Inc. is soon to roll out free software
which allows consumers to track their home
electricity use and improve energy efficiency
in a bid to help mitigate global warming.
Dan Reicher, Director for Climate Change
and Energy Initiatives Google, told reporters it was in talks with utilities companies
in the United Sates, Europe and Asia to
make the product available shortly to general consumers.
As part of its efforts to reduce greenhouse
gas emissions, Google said in February it
would use its software skills for the program that will show home energy consump-
tion in real time on a user's computer or a
telephone.
"It will get rolled out very soon to regular
energy consumers," Mr. Reicher said.
"When I began getting information about my
own home, I discovered that I had a 35-year
electric motor running for my heating system. That was using huge amount of electricity. I did not realise that's the change I need
to make in my home."
The company cited studies showing that access to home energy information typically
saves between 5 percent and 15 percent on
monthly electricity bills.
British researchers announced that next
year autonomous robotic fish equipped
with chemical sensors and Wi-Fi transmitters will be released in the Atlantic
Ocean, north of Spain, to measure pollution levels.
The company BMT, which developed
the robots in cooperation with the
University of Essex, hopes that if the
experiment proves successful, troops
of fish could be used on a permanent basis to measure the quality of
water in rivers, lakes and oceans. The
first five robots, in the shape of cat
fish, one and a half meters long, cost
Revolutionary Energy Scheme in Sicily
Sicily, Italy, has been chosen as the venue for the application of a revolutionary scheme to utilize Renewable Energy Sources, in a cooperation of the
local government with Jeremy Rifkin, American economist and advisor to
the European Committee on energy matters. The basic concept is that every
consumer of electric energy will at the same time become a producer of
electric energy through the new buildings that will use RES. The buildings
will produce electric energy using photovoltaic systems, small wind generators and biomass. They will cover their needs with this energy and they will
“sell” the surplus to the central system, where it will be stored to be used
either to cover other needs or to be sold throughout Italy and abroad. The
scheme will require an investment of 5 billion dollars for the next 5 years, to
be provided mainly by the European Union.
21,000 Euros each.
They are designed to mimic the movement of live fish, which is much more
effective than that of common mini
submarines.
“We based this on a design which
resulted after hundreds of millions of
years of evolution, which is extremely
effective in the use of energy” said
Rory Doyle, BMT researcher. The
robot’s battery lasts for eight hours
ofcontinuous use.
SPRING 2009 AEGEAN NEWS 11
I n terv i ew
Captain Mousa Murad
Captain Mousa Murad, General Manager of the Port of Fujairah, talks to Aegean News about
the strategic importance of the Port in bunkering and shipping, and its development into an
international oil hub.
Fujairah has established itself as a top bunkering port in the
world. How has such an impressive success been established?
Our bunkering operation is mainly centered on the Fujairah
Anchorage. The Anchorage first became established during
the Iraq/Iran War in the 1980’s when it became necessary
to marshal convoys to enter the Straits of Hormuz. Happily
those days are behind us now but from this temporary necessity grew a permanent commercial operation where ship
owners recognized the convenience of the Fujairah Anchorage and the services, beyond bunkering, that were needed
and could be made available. True, the major growth took
place in the last decade. For example, in 1993 the Fujairah
Anchorage handled 2,397 vessel calls. In 2008 there were
10,800 calls. I think we would prefer to be termed, alongside
Singapore and Rotterdam, as one of the top three Bunkering points in the world. Perhaps at this stage I should also
add that Trading as well as Bunkering is an important and
growing factor of our status as an international Oil hub.
What is the strategic importance of Fujairah in a world where
so many people depend on efficient transportation and
logistics services?
We are outside the Straits of Hormuz and on international
Trade Routes. We are a convenient stopping point which involves little or no deviation. Our waters are safe and secure.
Vessels waiting orders, or with time on hand before their
next call, make use of the Anchorage to carry out essential
vessel maintenance programs, from refueling to repair. Today you will find that many vessels have a Fujairah Anchorage call written in as a standard part of their schedule.
The port has a reputation as a one-stop-shop service facility.
How would you describe this kind of operation and what value
added does it contribute?
First, I think it is necessary to stress that this has been a
two way process – Ship owners requiring services and
companies, professional and proven companies, ready to
supply them. Our task as Port and Government has been to
control the overall operation, create, within international
12 AEGEAN NEWS SPRING 2009
legal and safety standards, a proper and vibrant commercial climate, and ensure high levels of service.
The service range, as you know, is wide and comprehensive, provisions, spare parts, repair, crew change , bunkering and many more.
Let me give you perhaps two examples where policy has
shaped service.
Somewhere in the range of 3,000 plus personnel join
or leave ships at the Anchorage through the Port on a
monthly basis. There are well established and proven UAE
Federal Government procedures for this, which meet all
international and national security requirements. Bureaucracy is kept to a minimum, which is far from the case in
many areas of the world.
Also, in many marine locations it is relatively easy to obtain
a license to carry out Bunkering Operations. You will note only
9 major companies have licenses to operate in Fujairah. This
policy has ensured not only that major companies are fully
committed to the operation but also, that collectively, they ensure that high levels of quality and supply are maintained.
It appears that you have placed service at the forefront of
the operations. Do you attribute the focus on good customer
service as the cause of success?
Undoubtedly this is, and has to be, the case. But I think I
have made the point throughout that our concerns are not
only with the services provided but also with the commercial and operational conditions in which the major providers
of those services operate. There is no monopoly in Fujairah.
Professional and committed companies are very welcome.
The Ports own facilities and growing services are comprehensive. Rates are kept competitive.
We understand that the port has begun an ambitious expansion
plan to transform Fujairah into the premiere facility globally?
What are some of the characteristics that will define the port
when this major project is complete?
I think you are perhaps slightly overreaching when you
refer to “the premier facility globally.” There are certainly
many factors which point toward our significant expansion, particularly in the oil sector but we are already an
important and internationally recognized location.
It has never been our policy to make any wild lurch for
growth.
Our current investments and buildings are based on a
considered evaluation of the market and its requirements.
The current Southern Breakwater Berth Project will
provide 900 meters of General Cargo Berth which will meet
current and growing demand. Currently under construction,
and scheduled for completion by mid 2010, are 1500 meters
of Oil Tanker Berths. This facility will meet the requirements
of new tank storage buildings, including your own.
Beyond this our future planning has, obviously, trigger
points, assessments of what the market will require and
when it will require it. Designs and detailed planning are in
place. These are of course subject to regular review.
There are plans to build a pipeline directly to the port as well
as a refinery. How will these developments affect both the
performance and the attractiveness of Fujairah?
This is the ADCOP (Abu Dhabi Crude Oil Pipeline Project)
which is currently under construction. The first phase will
include a crude oil pipeline from Abu Dhabi to Fujairah,
tank storage facilities and SPMs to the North of the Port.
Scheduled for completion by the second half of 2010,
this will cater to a significant proportion of the UAE’s
crude oil exports and mean that for a large number of tankers it will no longer be necessary to enter the Gulf.
The Refinery Project planned to produce 500,000 barrels of refined product per day is a second stage. Both these
projects illustrate the significant importance of Fujairah’s
strategic position and how this is being translated into
commercial reality.
In addition, Fujairah is beginning an impressive initiative to
become a new tourism destination. What will be some of the
defining characteristics of the tourism facilities?
Tourism, in Fujairah, particularly in Al Aqah to the North
of the Emirate, has been very firmly established over the
past five years with the opening of 4 “5 Star” Hotels all of
which have experienced high occupancy levels.
Other major resort facilities are under construction in
the area.
Fujairah’s coastline, with its dramatic Hajar Mountain backdrop, is regarded by many as the most beautiful in the U.A.E.
Certainly hotels in the area report many return visitors
which is testimony to the lasting affection people hold for
the area.
Additionally, Fujairah is now an established Port of Call
in the itinerary of cruise vessels in the region. Over the
next five months over 70 vessel calls are scheduled.
We believe it is only a matter of time before charter
flights to Fujairah International Airport will also become
an established pattern.
Aegean has been in Fujairah for several years and has grown
along with the Port. In fact, Aegean Oil Terminal Corporation
has recently completed an agreement to lease a 100,000
square meter parcel of land for a storage terminal. Do you
view Aegean’s presence constructively and is Aegean a strong
synergistic partner for the Port?
Of course, Aegean has an excellent reputation as a professional and internationally recognized operator. Your presence and investment in Fujairah is most welcome and we
look forward to many years of cooperation.
Captain Mousa Murad has more than 30 years of experience
in marine related activities and management, and holds a
post graduate diploma in Port Operations Management from
Humberside College of Higher Technology, UK. In 1998 he
was appointed General Manager in the Port of Fujairah.
SPRING 2009 AEGEAN NEWS 13
Sh i pping
New Ships
Join the Aegean Fleet
Aegean’s rapid business development demands the acquisition of more and more vessels,
concurrently with the extensive newbuilding program. Most recent newcomers are two
newbuildings, a second-hand bunkering vessel, plus a large floating storage unit.
14 AEGEAN NEWS SPRING 2009
one screw type cargo pump with 300
m3/h, each driven by an independent
diesel engine.
Her total carrying capacity is 7026
m3, distributed in five pairs of cargo
oil tanks and a pair of slop tanks.
M/T –RO/RO OSTRIA *—
New wind blows in Aegean
Ostria, sistership of the successful Maistros, was delivered to Aegean on February 23, 2009. The Romanian-built
vessel is a modern Fuel Distribution
Tanker, with six fully segregated grades
and a large garage for accommodating
up to six fully loaded road tankers.
Exclusively designed to support
Aegean’s retail network in any port
on the Greek mainland or islands, it
is equipped with an extraordinary
vapour emissions control system,
overfill protection, cross over truck
loading and inerting arrangements,
which secure safety of operations and
protection of the environment during
loading, discharging of cargo, or filling of road tankers.
May the new ship always sail in
calm seas.
*Southerly wind in Greek
M/T AEGEAN ACE
This Korean built vessel is double hull,
with LOA 74.25m, breadth 11.2m and
a deadweight of 1680t.
After her arrival at Piraeus, she is
undertaking upgrading work to meet
Aegean standards. Upon the work’s
completion, she will enter into service, adding 1469 m3 of cargo capacity
with two pumps delivering 700 t/h
each to the local station.
M/T KALYMNOS
M/T Kalymnos was delivered successfully on February 20, 2009, from Qingdao Huyndai Shipbuilding. After a short
stop at Singapore for replenishment
of stores and equipment, she sailed to
Aegean’s new station at Trinidad.
Intended for a round-the-clock
service to our customers, she will
be delivering a full range of quality
marine fuels, with modern cargo handling systems and environmental-safe
conditions in accordance with Aegean
practice and philosophy.
The vessel has two sets of twin
screw type pumps with 750 m3/h and
SPRING 2009 AEGEAN NEWS 15
B unker i ng
Renewed Aegean Fleet
Under Gibraltar Flag
BY Spyros Maltezos | Station Manager
As part of the continued support for local flags at our bunkering stations, two of the
newbuildings already stationed at Gibraltar have been re-flagged under the Gibraltar Flag.
The Gibraltar Flag Registry (or GMA as it is also known) was established in its present format
as a Registry of Ships in 1997. The GMA was accredited to ISO 9001:2000 quality standards
and has obtained 'White List' status under the Paris MoU on Port State Control.
M
/T Mykonos raised the Gibraltar Flag on December
5, 2008 and M/T Amorgos
raised the Gibraltar Flag on December 7, 2008.
M/T Mykonos carried out bunkers
supply to the Pipe–Laying Platform
SAIPEM 7000 in November 2008 in
Gibraltar, after having previously carried out a similar supply to the same
platform in the port of Almeria.
That Aegean has repeatedly been
16 AEGEAN NEWS SPRING 2009
entrusted the supply of a platform
with these unique characteristics
demonstrates the flexibility and operational standards which Aegean is
constantly achieving, and which are
contributing to the company’s continued growth.
In the picture shown, SAIPEM
7000 can be seen in the Gibraltar Anchorage receiving bunkers from M/T
Mykonos.
M/T Santorini, the latest arrival
to Gibraltar as part of Aegean’s NewBuild barge program, raised the Gibraltar Flag on Friday, March 20, 2009.
With this latest addition to the
Gibraltar Flag fleet, all the bunker
barges in the Gibraltar Station are
now proud to be flying the Gibraltar
Flag. This is a further indication of
the continued support from Aegean
to Gibraltar, and serves to demonstrate the strength of the links between Aegean and Gibraltar.
Hellenic
Center
R
e t ai Environmental
l
Aegean in Fourth Position in Total Fuel Sales
BY Konstantinos Poursanidis | General Manager
F
or the fuel market, 2008 was a
year characterized by a wide
fluctuation in the price of
crude oil and consequently in its by
products.
This wide price fluctuation contributed to the significant increase in the
price of products during the first semester, and to a significant decrease,
mainly during the second semester,
thus creating a period of instability
with negative consequences.
According to Ministry of Development data, during the past year a
2.59% decline in the domestic market
fuel consumption was registered compared with 2007.
During the same period, and despite the negative climate, Aegean registered an increase in total fuel sales
by 2.37% (Table Ι), while in automotive fuels the increase came to 8.85%,
whereas the corresponding increase
of the total market came to 2.09%.
Furthermore, Aegean, at the end of
2008, reached the fourth position in
total fuel sales among the twenty trading companies (Table Ι), while it
maintains the fourth position in total
gasoline sales (Table II).
Total Fuel Market Shares Year 2008
COMPANY
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
15.
16.
17.
18.
19.
20.
EKO - ELDA
BP
SHELL
AEGEAN
AVIN
JET OIL
ELIN
REVOIL
ETEKA
SILK OIL
CYCLON
DRACOIL
KAOIL
EL PETROL
SUN OIL
KMOIL
GALLON
ARGO
MEDOIL
BITOUMINA
TOTAL
UNLEADED PERCENTAGE
95
%
556 935
15.9
518 229
14.8
590 604
16.8
330 115
9.4
237 340
6.8
215 883
6.1
188 861
5.4
192 890
5.5
185 472
5.3
110 368
3.1
86 946
2.5
48 356
1.4
50 126
1.4
76 549
2.2
37 395
1.1
30 194
0.9
23 717
0.7
19 108
0.5
11 263
0.3
2 587
0.1
3 512 938
100.0
UNLEADED PERCENTAGE
100
%
43 585
15.6
78 614
28.1
46 606
16.7
22 888
8.2
15 352
5.5
12 740
4.6
13 565
4.8
10 516
3.8
11 371
4.1
4 397
1.6
6 486
2.3
2 217
0.8
2 493
0.9
3 378
1.2
1 601
0.6
1 230
0.4
1 315
0.5
866
0.3
413
0.1
109
0.0
279 742
100.0
SUPER PERCENTAGE
L.R.P.
%
40 729
16.0
42 316
16.7
18 153
7.2
21 333
8.4
19 653
7.7
19 437
7.7
16 017
6.3
17 680
7.0
12 088
4.8
13 768
5.4
6 382
2.5
3 900
1.5
5 157
2.0
5 358
2.1
3 944
1.6
3 592
1.4
1 210
0.5
1 960
0.8
1 025
0.4
134
0.1
253 836
100.0
DIESEL PERCENTAGE
heating
%
472 574
15.2
377 758
12.1
326 663
10.5
245 329
7.9
277 194
8.9
279 015
9.0
200 541
6.4
186 517
6.0
139 200
4.5
112 270
3.6
101 652
3.3
107 172
3.4
99 850
3.2
49 647
1.6
48 705
1.6
24 333
0.8
36 377
1.2
18 352
0.6
10 783
0.3
3 553
0.1
3 117 485
100.0
All quantities are expressed in metric tons
TABLE I
DIESEL PERCENTAGE
engine
%
572 304
18.7
426 201
13.9
379 584
12.4
220 819
7.2
284 531
9.3
278 721
9.1
225 171
7.3
159 380
5.2
84 862
2.8
97 946
3.2
77 520
2.5
55 678
1.8
56 899
1.9
44 921
1.5
35 012
1.1
23 663
0.8
14 025
0.5
18 962
0.6
7 695
0.3
1 523
0.0
3 065 417
100.0
TOTAL PERCENTAGE
FUEL
%
1 686 127
16.5
1 443 118
14.1
1 361 610
13.3
840 484
8.2
834 070
8.2
805 796
7.9
644 155
6.3
566 983
5.5
432 993
4.2
338 749
3.3
278 986
2.7
217 323
2.1
214 525
2.1
179 853
1.8
126 657
1.2
83 012
0.8
76 644
0.7
59 248
0.6
31 179
0.3
7 906
0.1
10 229 418
100.0
Source: Ministry of Development
Gazoline Market Shares Year 2008
COMPANY
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
15.
16.
17.
18.
19.
20.
EKO - ELDA
BP
SHELL
AEGEAN
AVIN
JET OIL
ELIN
REVOIL
ETEKA
SILK OIL
CYCLON
DRACOIL
KAOIL
EL PETROL
SUN OIL
KMOIL
GALLON
ARGO
MEDOIL
BITOUMINA
TOTAL
UNLEADED PERCENTAGE
95
%
556 935
15.9
518 229
14.8
590 604
16.8
330 115
9.4
237 340
6.8
215 883
6.1
188 861
5.4
192 890
5.5
185 472
5.3
110 368
3.1
86 946
2.5
48 356
1.4
50 126
1.4
76 549
2.2
37 395
1.1
30 194
0.9
23 717
0.7
19 108
0.5
11 263
0.3
2 587
0.1
3 512 938
100.0
All quantities are expressed in metric tons
TABLE II
UNLEADED PERCENTAGE
100
%
43 585
15.6
78 614
28.1
46 606
16.7
22 888
8.2
15 352
5.5
12 740
4.6
13 565
4.8
10 516
3.8
11 371
4.1
4 397
1.6
6 486
2.3
2 217
0.8
2 493
0.9
3 378
1.2
1 601
0.6
1 230
0.4
1 315
0.5
866
0.3
413
0.1
109
0.0
279 742
100.0
SUPER PERCENTAGE
L.R.P.
%
40 729
16.0
42 316
16.7
18 153
7.2
21 333
8.4
19 653
7.7
19 437
7.7
16 017
6.3
17 680
7.0
12 088
4.8
13 768
5.4
6 382
2.5
3 900
1.5
5 157
2.0
5 358
2.1
3 944
1.6
3 592
1.4
1 210
0.5
1 960
0.8
1 025
0.4
134
0.1
253 836
100.0
TOTAL PERCENTAGE
GAZOLINE
%
655.363
16.2
641 249
15.8
639 159
15.8
374 336
9.3
272 345
6.7
248 060
6.1
221 086
5.5
218 443
5.4
208 931
5.2
128 533
3.2
99 814
2.5
85 285
2.1
57 776
1.4
54 473
1.3
42 940
1.1
35 016
0.9
26 242
0.6
21 934
0.5
12 701
0.3
2 830
0.1
4 046 516
100.0
Source: Ministry of Development
SPRING 2009 AEGEAN NEWS 17
RET A I L
The Crete Market
BY Nikolaos Peramatzis | Gas Station Network Manager
The development of the gas stations network on the beautiful island of Crete, with the
introduction of inexpensive, quality fuel, is Aegean’s strategic goal for this year.
C
rete, in the southeastern part of
the Mediterranean, is a market
with a high standard of living
and whose inhabitants’ main activities
are tourism and agriculture. On the
basis of these activities, Crete has developed a very significant economy
in many sectors and, as such, natural
liquid fuel is the driving force.
One of the most significant problems Crete is facing today is the high
price of fuel, an issue that affects and
burdens all productive and commercial
activities, with an impact on the island’s
total economy. In an effort to overcome
this problem, Aegean built the Ro-Ro
Tanker Maistros, which is a modern
and safe Floating Fuel Storage Installation, with which the company transfers,
under almost all weather conditions,
inexpensive and quality fuel to the island and then, with road trucks (which
18 AEGEAN NEWS SPRING 2009
travel with Maistros), distributes the
fuel to its gas stations network.
Aegean started the development of
its Crete gas station network in September 2008, after the introduction of
Ro-Ro Tanker Maistros, and we already
have achieved a market share higher
than 3% of the total market. What is
more impressive is the way the market
has reacted, which is something we
have not seen before. There is huge
enthusiasm, and although we had
been very optimistic about results,
we did not anticipate such a superb
response. Usually, after the strategic
planning for the development of the
network, every company needs a long
period to attract gas stations, during
which time it presents its profile and
brand. It is also usual for some reservations to exist for a certain period,
during which you introduce yourself,
Aegean is the company which, first, foremost, and above
all else, places the interests of its associates and of end
consumers first
you explain, and you are evaluated
by the whole market. Usually, the entry of a fuel trading company into a
new market presupposes a ‘buy out’
of volumes, gas stations, customers.
And usually, whatever differentiation
exists is based mainly on economic
criteria. Usually, a lot of ‘usually’—the
same for most companies.
For Aegean, however, what takes
place is beyond the usual. Aegean is
growing very fast, the market embraces
Aegean, as if it were its own to protect,
to guide. With Aegean it is a completely
different “story.” In its relations with
the market, with its associates, there is
something alive, an unprecedented
feeling. The market itself, the associates, the consumers, take on to themselves the responsibility of the “game.”
They become fanatics, they become active, and in reality ‘push’ Aegean to
grow and they develop it better themselves. A market where the gas station
development team is the gas station
owners themselves. They guide, they
manage. It is on the basis of this model
that Aegean develops, moves ahead,
progresses. Because Aegean is what its
associates experience, what its associates perceive. The company which,
first, foremost, and above all else, places the interests of its associates and of
end consumers first.
SPRING 2009 AEGEAN NEWS 19
Stations of the Month
Giannis Douroudakis—Didimotiho
A Breath of Fresh Air for an Old Establishment
Aegean’s gas station owners do not fit a specific profile. They may be very experienced
people in the sector, with a long and successful course in the fuel business. They may be
mature in age, or young people, just starting their professional endeavors. They may also be
people who have not had the slightest experience in operating a gas station.
T
here is, however, a prerequisite that is absolutely essential: They must all be honest
people, with a desire to work hard,
and ready to serve, in the best way
possible, the customers who reach
their station.
Giannis and Soula Douroudakis fully comply with this basic prerequisite.
It proved impossible to talk to Mr.
Giannis Douroudakis. As his wife explained, he is on the run all day long.
However, she was more than willing
to talk to us herself, as both of them
have been working in the gas station
for the past three years.
The gas station on Orestiados street
began to operate in the 1970s by Mrs.
Douroudaki’s father.
"The gas station is an old family business and both my parents worked here
together, she explains. When my father
died my mother took on the business."
20 AEGEAN NEWS SPRING 2009
And later on you decided to get involved?
No. My husband and I decided to
leave for Germany, to work there. We
leased the gas station to a third party.
So, how is it you are here today?
We came back to Greece a few years ago
We were determined to
work hard and together with
Aegean to make this gas
station different from what
it was up to then
and, although we had no experience in
this business, we decided to give it a try.
It was a rather bold decision, not only
because we had nothing to do with the
fuel sector but because the gas station
was in very bad condition. The people
who had rented it had completely aban-
doned it. Our family and friends expressed great reservations as to whether
we could do something about it and
change the image consumers had about
this particular establishment.
But what do you know! We started
three years ago, and although customers were really hesitant at the beginning, they soon realized they could
trust us. We were really determined to
work hard and change things around
and working together with Aegean to
make this gas station different from
what it was up to then.
Do you believe that you have achieved
this goal?
We are very pleased. We work hard,
but everything is going extremely
well. Our gas station has completely
changed, the customers got to know
us and trust us and Aegean is standing
by us and supports us. All is well!
Panagiotis Sergianides and Xenophon Pagalos—Eliki, Egion
Professional Relationships with a Human Dimension
Mr. Sergianides and Mr. Pagalos are business partners. Reasonably young, close to 40, they
are continuing a long tradition with healthy roots.
O
ur talk took place with Mr.
Panagiotis Sergianides, a
man with great enthusiasm
when he talks about his business and
even more enthusiastic when he talks
about his business relationship with
Aegean.
Mr. Sergianides, for how many years has
this gas station been operating here?
Many, almost 28 years. In this same
place, under exactly the same name.
Sergianides and Pagalos. You see, our
fathers were the ones who set it up
and worked together here.
In reality then you grew up in this
station. When was it exactly that you
started to get involved more actively?
I cannot say because I cannot remember myself doing something else
than being here. The same goes for
my partner. This is were our fathers
were, this is where we were. The gas
station very gradually passed into our
own hands.
And when did your cooperation with Aegean start?
Approximately two years ago.
What are the reasons for you seeking
this cooperation? Surely you worked
with some other company before.
Indeed. But things were not going
well, especially at the end. Lack of understanding, lack of communication.
Why did you choose Aegean?
Naturally, I had heard about the
company and all the information was
positive. But I want to be very honest with you. My decision was greatly
influenced by two people I knew
well and respected enormously—Mr.
Nikos Peramatzis and Yiannis Papadopoulos. They had both moved to
Aegean from a big name of the sector,
they were friends, and I had complete
confidence in their opinion. This does
not mean I did not negotiate with
other companies. And now I can say
that the main reason for doing that
was to convince myself, to have an
excuse that “I did look elsewhere.” I
finally made the choice I wished to
make from the beginning.
Were you afraid of the way your customers would react?
I was afraid, but my fears proved
groundless. Xenophon and I are a
personal guarantee to our customers.
They know us, they trust us, and consequently they trust our choices.
Do you believe that you found the understanding and communication you were
looking for in this cooperation?
More than what we expected. During
the first year we face certain problems,
and Aegean gave us all the support we
needed as new associates, although we
were not new in the market. This is
very important. We have a sense of
security, we know that we will have
Aegean by our side whenever we need
assistance and support. But what is
more important is this: I personally
always sought to find the face behind
the typical business voice, either during a meeting or over the phone, the
human dimension of a business relationship. And I found it!
We have a sense of security, we know that we will have
Aegean by our side whenever we need assistance and support
SPRING 2009 AEGEAN NEWS 21
R e t ai l
Aegean Lubricants
The Art of Quality Control
BY Paul Zervogiannis | Aspropyrgos Installations Manager
One of the most significant and vital issues regarding the production of lubricants is the
methodology used for controlling the quality of products during all the stages of their production process.
E
qually important is also the
after-sale service provided to
customers through procedures
of used lubricants quality control.
Aegean lubricants are manufactured to meet the latest and most
strict specifications of engine and
machinery manufacturers and have
the highest qualitative characteristics,
which are being controlled during the
preliminary production stages and
also during the stage of blending and
packaging.
There are two basic components of
ready lubricants:
❚ Basic Oils (mineral oils or synthetics), which constitute the basis of the
lubricants, and
❚ Additives, which are the chemical
combinations which achieve the
special characteristics required per
type and category of lubricant.
At Aegean’s Aspropyrgos plant the
identity of the products’ quality is
traced, checked, improved and registered as part of a series of procedures
which includes the following stages:
❚ Basic Oils Quality Control, when the
oils enter the plant and on a daily
basis, through sampling, during
storage. During these inspections all
the physical-chemical characteristics of basic oils (viscosity, humidity,
density) are specified to ensure that
22 AEGEAN NEWS ΑΝΟΙΞΗ 2009
they fully comply with the specifications for their use.
❚ Additives Quality Control, when the
additives enter the plant, and on a
daily basis for those stored unpacked,
and during their use for those used
packaged. (Products are stored in
barrels and a sample is taken when
the barrel is opened for use.)
In the Additives Quality Control,
laboratory tests aim to detect the
characteristic metals and chemical
substances which constitute the “active substances” of additives, which
‘armor’ the additive for its partial use.
The ready lubricants carry on their
packing a characteristic batch number, which is used to fully identify the
specific ready product and to trace all
the quality tests that have been performed for its production, from raw
materials up to its packing. Every end
user (customer) may ask information
on the ‘history’ of the quality of the
lubricant he or she is using by simply
stating its batch number.
❚ At Aegean’s lubricants producing
plant in Aspropyrgos, samples of
lubricants productions are being
stored, which constitute “a living”
proof of the quality of products that
have been distributed to customers.
Excellent quality is the basic aim of
production at all its stages.
Of course, quality is also determined by the choice of raw materials,
which includes the top qualitative
solutions in the sector of Basic Oils as
much as in the sector of Additives.
All production processes are specified, in absolute detail, for every
operation level of Aegean’s lubricants
plant and are part of the Integrated
Management System and Production
Quality Control. Quality control processes include:
❚ Inspection of incoming and stored
Basic Oils
❚ Inspection of incoming and stored
Additives
❚ I nspection of incoming packing
materials
❚ Inspection of blending products
❚ I nspection of ready lubricants
(stored and for use)
❚ Inspection of ready to be packed
lubricants
❚ Inspection of packed lubricants
The Art of Quality Control is the
most important component of the
production process, as it ensures that
consumers purchase an excellent
product. At the same time, the Quality
Control Department provides technical support, as an after sales service, to
Aegean’s customers, by analyzing used
lubricants, and informing the client
about the condition of his equipment.
The main physical-chemical data characterizing the
quality of a lubricant
Kinematic Viscosity
Total Base Number TBN – mg KOH/gr
Viscosity is the indication of the lubricants liquidity. It is measured in a temperature of 100 degrees C in engine lubricants and
in 40 degrees in industrial lubricants with the measurement unit
cSt (mm2/sec). The lower the viscosity of a lubricant at a reference temperature (110C and 40 C respectively), the more liquid
the lubricant is. The use of a lubricant is related to its viscosity
and is appropriate for the corresponding conditions (temperature,
special lubrication conditions, etc.) according to the manufacturers’ recommendations.
This measures the concentration of the base constituents of the
additives, which react with the oxides that build up during the
combustion process. The presence of base matter in the lube is
critical for the protection of the metal parts of the engine from
oxidation/corrosion.
This parameter is crucial in marine lubricants and characterizes
the quality of the engine protection by the lubricant during its use.
The lower the ΤΒΝ during the lubricant use, the more unprotected
is the engine. The degree of TBN decrease depends on:
❚ The quality of fuel (high sulphur content, higher decrease)
❚ The quality of combustion(status, engine adjustment or tuning)
❚ Length of operation
The correspondence of the classification per SAE with the Kinematic viscosity is presented in the table below.
SAE
cSt 100o C
10 W
min 4.1
20W-20
5.6-9.3
30
9.3-12.5
40
12.5-16.3
50
16.3-21.9
During its use the lubricant is getting more viscous (its kinematic
viscosity gets higher) due to oxidation processes and particulate
and insoluble matter build up. However, there are cases such as
fuel contamination or lubricants mix up, where the kinematic viscosity gets lower.
Viscosity Index
This indicates the ability of a lubricant to maintain stable its viscosity with temperature. The viscosity index is a pure number,
not a metric unit, and is calculated on the basis of the lubricant’s
viscosity at 40ο C and at 100ο C.
Flash Point
This is the temperature at which a lubricant becomes ignited in
the presence of flame. It allows us to calculate the lubricant’s percentage of contamination by fuel, when for example we have to do
with used lubricants. If the Flash point is lower than 190ο C in a
used lubricant, the immediate replacement of lubricant is required
for safety reasons.
Water Content
Ready lubricants are inspected so that they have no water/moisture
at all, something which would affect their quality. Nevertheless, during the lubricant use, contamination with water is detected from the
liquefaction of vapors in the air and also from leaks of the radiator
or the flange. The presence of water is unavoidable during use up to
a percentage of 0,2%. It is not acceptable above this limit and the
lubricant must be replaced immediately.
Concentration of Metals
and Specific Elements
During the stage of the lubricant’s production the additives which
become incorporated with blending in the ready product contain
specific quantities of metals and other characteristic combinations and elements which characterize each additive and make
it unique. The plant’s quality control department inspects each
batch thoroughly and defines with absolute precision the percentage of these characteristic combinations and elements to ensure
that the lubricant has been produced according the approved procedure, meeting all the specifications for its use.
SPRING 2009 AEGEAN NEWS 23
Lub r ica n t s
Aegean – Gulf Oil
Sea Lub Alliance
BY Paul Ioannidis | Marine Lubricants Manager As we have noted in the past, it is a fact that the global marine lubricants market is traditionally
dominated by multinational companies.
T
Aegean is already in a
position to supply its
customers in more than
450 ports all over the
world, covering the most
important marine lubricants
destinations
24 AEGEAN NEWS SPRING 2009
he basic prerequisites for a new supplier to become active successfully is
the establishment of an international supply network and the existence
of a stable and certified technology in its lubricants, together with the
capacity to offer full technical support to clients.
Equally important is the ‘size’ of the supplier, which will ensure it strength in
the markets and in the management of raw materials, in order to be able to offer
competitive prices to clients/shipowners.
A dramatically innovative approach began in the marine lubricants market in
2008 with the creation of the Sea Lub Alliance.
This alliance is in reality the strategic cooperation of some of the biggest
independent suppliers of marine lubricants, with a common lubricants technology, for the establishment of a solid supply network, where the strength and
knowledge of each one of the suppliers in the ports of his country ensure excellent service and the best prices for the alliance and its clients.
Aegean’s dynamic course in marine lubricants, its weapons being the knowhow in products as much as of the marine market, combined with the startling
increase in sales, the development of its network, and a common vision, led to
the strategic alliance between Aegean Marine Petroleum and Gulf Oil Marine
(founder of the alliance), which was officially signed in the beginning of 2009.
As a result, Aegean is, already, in a position to supply its customers in more
than 450 ports all over the world, covering the most important marine lubricants destinations, including:
❚ Greece
❚ Northern Europe (Belgium, Netherlands, Germany, N.France)
❚ Singapore IPL & OPL bulk
❚ China
❚ Fujairah Anchorage
❚ Gibraltar
❚ Durban / Cape Town
❚ US Gulf (Houston , New Orleans)
❚ South America
As this impressive network keeps expanding (soon to include Panama, South
Korea and Japan), to go well beyond the ports listed, benefits include highly
competitive prices, the offering of full technical services, with analyses of used
lubricants, visits by technicians on board a ship upon request of the shipowner,
and technical seminars organized by Sea Lub Alliance all over the world. (Dubai
12/08, Singapore 4/09).
It must be pointed out that Aegean / Gulf Oil lubricants are certified by engine manufacturers with Full Approval.
Furthermore, Aegean, through the close cooperation with top chemical additives suppliers, has a wide range of special products and lubricants, such as cylinder oil for low sulphur fuel Alfacylo 540 LS. At the same time is in a position
to keep up with all the latest scientific developments in marine lubricants technology, in its effort to achieve and maintain technical perfection and supremacy
of its products.
Aegean is keeping up with
all the latest scientific
developments in marine
lubricant technology in its
effort to have technical
perfection and supremacy of
its products
For requests, information, or to order
lubricants, please contact
marinelubs@ampni.com
Τel.: +30 210 458 6000
For technical support:
alfalubes@ampni.com
SPRING 2009 AEGEAN NEWS 25
26 AEGEAN NEWS SPRING 2009
Hellenic
Hi
s t o r Environmental
y o f A u t o m Center
o bi l e
The Modern Era
The modern era in the industry of automobile manufacturing has been one of increasing
standardization, platform sharing and a shared set of components common to a number of
different automobiles, and computer-aided design.
S
ome particularly significant
developments in modern times
are the wide spread use of
front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive,
the adoption of the V6 engine configuration, and the ubiquity of fuel
injection. Although all these developments were originally attempted
in earlier times, they still dominate
the market today, even though their
significance is often overlooked. Almost all modern passenger cars are
front wheel drive unibody designs,
with transversely-mounted engines.
Body styles have also changed in the
modern era. Three types dominate
the market. The hatchback, the minivan and the sport utility vehicle. The
hatchback describes an automobile
design consisting of a passenger cabin
with an integrated cargo space, accessed from behind the vehicle by
a flip-up window. The vehicle must
have at least two rows of seats, with
the rear set able to fold down to increase cargo space.
The minivan, multi-purpose vehicle (abreviated MPV, or MUV
multi-utility vehicle), is a type of automobile similar in shape to a van that
is designed for personal use. Minivans
are taller than a sedan, hatchback or
a station wagon, and are designed for
maximum interior room.
The sport utility vehicle, or SUV, is
a passenger vehicle which combines
the towing capacity of a pickup truck
Exemplary Modern Cars
1974–present
1983–present
1986–present
1992–2005
1975–present
1993–present
VW Golf
Chrysler minivans
Ford Taurus
Chrysler Concorde, Dodge
Intrepid, Eagle Vision
BMW 3-Series
Jeep Grand Cherokee
with the passenger-carrying space of
a minivan or station wagon, together
with on or off road ability..
It is known in some countries as
"four-wheel drive,” often abbreviated a
4WD or 4x4. However, not all SUVs
have four-wheel drive capabilities
(Mazda Tribute, for example), and not
all 4WD passenger vehicles are SUVs
( for example, Subaru Impreza).
All three types originally emphasized practicality but have been trans-
formed into today's high-powered
luxury crossover SUV and sports
wagon. The rise in popularity of
pickup trucks in the United States and
SUVs worldwide has changed the face
of motoring, with these "trucks" coming to command more than half of the
world automobile market.
The modern era has also seen rapidly rising fuel efficiencyand engine
output. Once the automobile emissions concerns of 1970s were conquered with computerized engine
management systems, power began to
rise rapidly. In the 1980s, a powerful
sports car might have produced 200
hp, just 20 years later average passenger cars have engines that powerful,
and some performance models offer
three times that much power.
SPRING 2009 AEGEAN NEWS 27
Children and the Environment
I Protect the Environment—I Safeguard my Future
If we wan to contribute to the protection of the planet we must, first of all, make sure
we understand the importance the natural wealth of the earth has for its survival. By
understanding the role of natural resources, we can act more effectively.
So, let us talk about forests
The danger of deforestation is a reality all over the globe and
has been recognized as such for many years. The United Nations,
in the Earth Summit organized in 1992, warned the world of this
danger and established an Inter-governmental panel on Forests
to monitor the introduction of Forest Policies. All countries must
participate in preserving the planet’s forest and in tree planting. All
countries must manage forests in such a way that will meet the social,
economic, ecological, cultural and spiritual needs of present and future
generations. Financial support should be available to developing
countries to help them protect their forests.
In our country, forests have been destroyed by catastrophic fires in
recent years. This is an even more important reason why, as a nation,
we have the great obligation to protect our remaining forests and help
replant the ones that have burned down.
28 AEGEAN NEWS SPRING 2009
The Role of Forests
Forests
☺ Provide home to the majority of animals, birds and plants
☺ Maintain and conserve the soil
☺ Help regulate climate conditions
☺ R egulate hydrological cycles and ensure a continuous water supply
☺ Provide timber
☺ Enable agricultural activities
☺ Provide ingredients for the production of medicines
☺Facilitate employment—a great number of professions depend
on forests
The destruction of forests
has catastrophic consequences
☺ Floods, droughts, erosion of soil, desertification
☺ Changes of climate conditions leading to global warming
☺ Loss of plants and animals
☺ Famine and poverty
☺ Loss of jobs
☺ Conflicts over fertile lands
What can we do?
☺ Reduce our consumption of paper and wood
☺ Use paper from recycled products
☺ Use the back of a used sheet of paper when possible
☺ B e prepared to give up some comforts to reduce unnecessary
use of paper. For example, convince your mother to give up the
use of paper in the cleaning of the house and use cloth that can
be used again. Window panes can be easily cleaned with an old
newspaper, vinegar, and water. This will have an additional benefit
since you will not have to use window cleaning detergents that
contain chemicals.
☺W
e learn about reforestation. We then inform our relatives and
friends and participate in constructive activities.
Reforestation
Natural Reforestation
Forests have the ability to be reborn just two years after a fire.
Plants have developed special mechanisms that ensure the preservation of their reproductive systems. Pine trees have seeds with
very hard skin, which are not burned while they remain inside the
pine cones. Some bushes hide their seeds a few centimeters below
the ground surface and they are not destroyed by fire. When the rain
season begins the seeds start to grow and, as a result, prevent soil
erosion. Ash is not dead material, but contains all those elements
and nutritional materials from burned trees, becoming in essence
the fertilizer for the new growths. When a burned forest is naturally
reborn it must not be artificially replanted, because this prevents
the natural development of the vegetation. Especially during the first
two years after a fire, he new growths must remain undisturbed by
human activities.
Artificial Reforestation
When a forest has been burned more than once during a five-year
period, and its ecosystem has been seriously harmed due to the erosion of the soil or excessive grazing, then artificial reforestation is
necessary, as the forest has lost its natural ability for rejuvenation.
This decision must always be made by specialized scientists
who will have the responsibility for this project and will also decide
which type of trees are the right ones to be planted according to the
special conditions of the area.
The proper season for reforestation is October-November until
April, the period with considerable rainfall, so that the new trees will
get strong roots to absorb all the necessary nutrients from the soil.
I BECOME INFORMED— I INFORM OTHERS—I ACT
SPRING 2009 AEGEAN NEWS 29
R oots
Expressions with a …Past
In our daily lives, on certain occasions, we often use expressions which seem peculiar and
appear to be without meaning. It is not so. They are expressions with a long course through
the years. Expressions with a past!
He (she, they) fried fish on my lips
Your brains and one pound
This is an expression we often use when someone has given us a really
We usually address someone with this expression when we consider him,
hard time. How did it come about? During the Byzantine period, it was
or his sayings, foolish. It is said that during the Turkish occupation there
a very strict rule for people to fast during Lent. Obviously, this rule
was an enormous Albanian in Athens, who, at regular intervals, passed by
was even stricter in monasteries. However, sometimes monks had dif-
the homes of the Athenians to collect the tax the Turks imposed on them.
ficulty in keeping this rule and ate something forbidden and if this was
This giant held a huge club in his hands and threatened to break the head
revealed the punishment was very harsh, even deadly. So, legend has it
of anyone refusing to give him one pound or two gold coins (florins). But
that a monk was caught frying fish in a cave near the monastery where
he was so dim-witted that he could not distinguish the various coins and as
he lived. His act was considered a terrible sin, and his punishment was
a result some Athenians who did not have the money to pay him, polished
even more terrible. His punishers placed live charcoal into his mouth
and placed on top of it a raw piece of fish, to fry. The poor soul died, but
the expression remained ever since.
You (he, she, they…) bloated my liver
We use this expression when someone has upset us seriously. It is by
now acknowledged by doctors that stress enlarges the liver, but it is
believed that the expression has its roots in antiquity. Ancient Greeks
often fed their animals with figs—a fruit they adored themselves.
However, when this was overdone and the animal ate too many figs,
their liver became bloated.
You will do it and sing a song as well
some bronze pennies and handed them over to him as golden coins.
I (you, he, she …) paid the hair of my head
During the Turkish occupation period, again, the Greeks had to pay a
multitude of taxes. Among them, there was one tax that was imposed
on Greeks who had long hair. This is how the expression came about to
signify the excessive price paid for something.
Hair grew on my tongue
When we have spoken too much, usually to persuade someone about something, we use this expression. It is believed that it goes back to the Byzantine
period, when those who spoke too much, meaning those who revealed things
that should not have been said, were punished. The usual punishment was
for the violators to chew on a particular weed until it became pulp. This weed
We usually use this expression to someone who objects in doing some-
was hard, with an acrid taste, and during the chewing the mouth would bloat,
thing we ask of him. It is believed that this originated in old feasts, when
and the tongue would bleed and get full of fibres that looked like hair.
someone, who had drunk a lot, persisted that his companion does the
same. The companion refused and his friend continued to insist by
Just a few examples, but indicative of the power they hold to have
saying “come on, you must drink one more, come on, drink and you
survived through the years. Expressions with a past, and, as proven by
will sing a song.”
their endurance, with a future!
30 AEGEAN NEWS SPRING 2009
the
aege an
im ag e
Products that say
“We‘re different”
Aegean is proud of the contemporary image of its petrol
stations. Station personnel enhance the “Aegean Look”
through clothing and products that reflect a
commitment to quality and customer service.
SPRING 2009 AEGEAN NEWS 31
Aegean
Energy for the Future
Aegean is Greece's most dynamic energy, petroleum, and shipping group. The company has a network of retail gas stations throughout Greece, is active in marine fuels and lubricants, and operates
a fleet of tankers and barges internationally and domestically to transport petroleum and bunkers
for its global base of clients.
Retail Market
Through its fast-growing network of gas stations, Aegean supplies drivers in Greece with gasoline
and automotive lubricants. Aegean’s modern, well-maintained gas station network has won the
trust of drivers due to the high quality products and services it offers at competitive prices. In addition, Aegean directly supplies large industrial clients with petroleum products of
all grades, owing to the consistency and service of its transactions.
Bunker Fleet NYSE listed Aegean Marine Petroleum Inc., with an exclusively double hull fleet—of which nine ships are newbuildings—is the
natural supplier of marine fuels at 12 of the most significant
ports in the world. Furthermore, with its 22 newbuildings program in progress and the continuous opening of new stations,
it is one of the most dynamically developing divisions Of the
Aegean Group.
Bunkering Aegean provides one of the most efficient and responsive bunkering
services to clients worldwide. Its ships never stop sailing and its services
are available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
Aegean operates bunkering stations in Piraeus, and in Gibraltar, Singapore, Jamaica, the United Arab Emirates, Antwerp, Portland UK, Tema
in Ghana, Montreal and Vancouver. All its products are ISO 8217
certified. The Company, which is a member of IBIA and is ISO 9001
certified, is well positioned on the FOBAS White List.
Shipping
Aegean's fleet of ships is at the heart of its superior service
worldwide. Its vessels operate in full compliance with EU and
international standards, are all certified with the code of safe
management ISM and SOLAS and are in complete compliance with
MARPOL regulations.
Aegean continually adds to its fleet of ships, which includes large vessels as well as smaller capacity vessels. Its fleet transports oil cargoes
worldwide on behalf of major oil companies, commercial clients, and Aegean
customers.
Lubricants
Aegean produces and markets high performance lubricants for vehicles and industrial use under
the Aegean brand and, for the marine market, under the ALFA brand. ALFA marine lubricants are
certified and approved by the largest marine engine manufacturers in the world.
The resources of our company and our follow–up service create our successful relationships and
allow Aegean to supply lubricants in 500 ports worldwide.
Aegean’s websites
www.aegeanoil.gr
www.ampni.com
32 AEGEAN NEWS SPRING 2009