With a commitment to excellence and sustainability, Ennero provides high-quality fuel and lubricants solutions tailored to meet the demands of the maritime industry, as it is dedicated to powering the future of maritime logistics with innovation, development, and a focus on environmental stewardship.

In an interview with Robban Assafina, Ramzi Saroukhan, Head of Business Development at Ennero, discusses the company’s plans to acquire dual-fuel tankers, in addition to modernizing Ennero’s fleet with vessels that support both sustainability and economic efficiency, ensuring to stay at the forefront of eco-friendly and innovative shipping solutions.

As Ennero stands as a prominent player in the marine fuel, lubricants, and gas oil trade within the UAE, how does the company differentiate itself from competitors in the industry, particularly in terms of innovation, customer service, or unique features?

Ennero differentiates itself in the UAE marine fuel and lubricants market through three key strategies. The first is in terms of innovation, where the company invests in advanced technologies to improve fuel efficiency and reduce emissions. This focus on eco-friendly solutions appeals to customers who prioritize sustainability. Secondly, Ennero places a strong emphasis on customer service, as the company offers personalized support, ensuring clients receive tailored solutions that meet their specific needs.

This approach helps build long-term relationships and enhances customer satisfaction. And the third key strategy is Ennero’ s unique feature through its comprehensive range of products and services. By providing not only marine fuel but also marine lubricants, the company can serve as a one-stop shop for clients, simplifying their procurement processes. Overall, these strategies help Ennero stand out in a competitive industry.

Marine fuel companies have benefited from the increased demand for fuel and lubricants due to ships rerouting away from the Red Sea. However, this has also led to a rise in emissions from the maritime sector. What vision or plans does Ennero have for mitigating the negative impacts associated with this issue?

Recognizing the environmental challenges posed by rising maritime emissions, Ennero has crafted a clear vision to tackle these issues through several strategies aimed at mitigating emissions and reducing negative impacts. These include implementing digital solutions that utilize AI and IoT to optimize routes and energy use, thereby making operations more efficient and reducing emissions. The company also participates in carbon offset programs to compensate for emissions that can't be eliminated immediately and adheres to international regulations, such as the International Maritime Organization's emission reduction targets, which are essential for reducing overall impacts.

Furthermore, Ennero is transitioning to cleaner fuels like LNG (Liquefied Natural Gas) or biofuels to reduce carbon emissions and advising clients to invest in more aerodynamic and hydrodynamic ship designs to reduce drag and improve fuel efficiency. Collaborations and partnerships with governments, NGOs, and other companies are also key to creating broader strategies for reducing emissions.

Given the impact of fuel and lubricants quality on engine efficiency and emissions, how do you view this issue? What steps have been taken to improve the quality of what you supply to your customers?

The quality of fuel and lubricants is absolutely crucial for maximizing engine efficiency and minimizing emissions. In order to address this, we’ve implemented several important measures. First, we rigorously vet our suppliers to ensure they meet the highest quality standards. This involves a comprehensive evaluation of their production processes, quality control practices, and adherence to environmental regulations.

We also value collaboration and therefore regularly engage with our clients' technical teams. This ongoing dialogue helps us understand their unique challenges and tailor our products accordingly. Furthermore, we maintain a strong liaison with manufacturers. By keeping these lines of communication open, we can ensure our products remain consistently reliable and address any issues that arise efficiently.

On top of that, we conduct advanced testing and quality control for all our products. This includes both laboratory analyses and real-world testing, ensuring everything we supply meets industry standards.

Lastly, we are committed to continuous improvement. We invest in research and development to innovate and enhance our products, focusing on formulations that boost efficiency and reduce emissions. By prioritizing these steps, we can deliver high-quality fuels and lubricants that enhance engine performance and contribute to environmental sustainability.

What strategies is Ennero employing to enhance its position in the Middle East market? And are there any upcoming partnerships or collaborations that you can share with us?

Ennero employs several strategies to enhance its position in the Middle East market. The company focuses on expanding its product ranges, including cleaner fuels and advanced lubricants, to meet the growing demand for environmentally friendly solutions. By aligning its products with regional sustainability goals, Ennero aims to attract a broader customer base.

Ennero may seek to forge partnerships with major shipping companies, ports, and energy providers to strengthen its supply chain and distribution network. Collaborating with regional players ensures smoother operations, access to key markets, and enhanced service delivery. Upcoming partnerships in this space could include collaborations with marine fuel suppliers, logistics companies, and technology firms focused on improving fuel efficiency and sustainability.

Ennero may be utilizing digital platforms for real-time tracking, supply chain optimization, and customer engagement. This focus on technology not only improves operational efficiency but also enhances customer experience by offering greater transparency and control.

Given your plans to diversify into shipping and start physical bunkering operations in the Middle East, what challenges or opportunities do you anticipate in this transition, especially in acquiring and managing vessels for these new operations?

Transitioning into shipping and physical bunkering operations in the Middle East presents both challenges and opportunities for Ennero. The challenges include regulatory compliance, which involves navigating complex local and international laws, and capital investment, as significant financial resources are required for vessel acquisition.

Additionally, logistical coordination is crucial for managing supply chains and scheduling efficiently, especially in busy ports.

The opportunities include increasing market demand for reliable bunkering services in the region, which presents growth potential. Furthermore, adopting eco-friendly practices can position the company as a leader in sustainability, enhancing its reputation.

In summary, while the transition into shipping and physical bunkering presents challenges, Ennero’ s strategic approach, combined with the growing market demand for cleaner fuels and sustainable practices, offers significant opportunities for growth and market leadership in the Middle East.

Can you provide more details about the type of vessels you're planning to acquire for this diversification?

To ensure flexibility and adaptability, we plan to acquire dual-fuel tankers. These ships are capable of running on both traditional fuel and LNG, allowing us to optimize fuel use based on availability and cost-effectiveness. This strategy not only improves our environmental footprint but also provides resilience against fluctuating fuel markets.

Our focus is on modernizing our fleet with vessels that support both sustainability and economic efficiency, ensuring we stay at the forefront of eco-friendly and innovative shipping solutions.

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	Issue 94 of Robban Assafina (Nov/ Dec. 2024)