Mauritius positions itself as a bunkering hub

Addressing Africa’s marine fuel supply

MAURITIUS: Opening Maritime Week Africa 2025, the Minister of Agro-Industry, Food Security, Blue Economy and Fisheries, Dr Arvin Boolell affirmed the government’s commitment to transforming Mauritius into the preferred bunkering hub of the region through legislative reforms.

Currently underway in Mauritius, Maritime Week Africa 2025, includes the participation of leading marine fuel professionals including bunker buyers, suppliers, port authorities and regulators – and provides a platform to address the pressing issues and emerging opportunities within Africa’s marine fuels industry both regionally and globally.

In his opening remarks Minister Boolell highlighted that Maritime Week Africa 2025 is a defining moment for Africa’s marine fuels industry, offering a unique opportunity to embrace change, plan strategically for the future and shape the region’s maritime landscape.

Dr Boolell pointed out that, as a Small Island Developing State, Mauritius must leverage the full potential of the blue economy, which he described as Africa’s new frontier for economic growth.

He urged African nations to collaborate and adopt innovative strategies to ensure a fair and equitable maritime sector. Minister Boolell also spoke of the evolving energy sector and underscored the necessity to strike a balance between traditional marine fuels and the adoption of emerging green alternatives.

He said that, by prioritising innovation, sustainability and collaboration, the industry could be poised for significant growth and transformation.

During the opening ceremony, Special Envoy and Advisor for Maritime and Blue Economy, Executive Office of the President of Kenya, Nancy Karigithu indicated that Maritime Week Africa 2025 presents an invaluable opportunity for industry professionals to address existing challenges while capitalising on new prospects for Africa’s blue economy.

She outlined the immense economic potential of Africa’s maritime zones, indicating that the blue economy holds the key to job creation, wealth generation, and socio-economic progress across the continent. “This conference will pave the way for new collaborations and position Africa as a major player in global maritime trade,” she added.

Acting Director General of Mauritius Port Authority (MPA), Aruna Bunwaree Ramsaha underlined the significance of the bunkering industry as a key economic pillar for Mauritius and confirmed that the sector has seen remarkable growth over the last decade.

Trade volumes have surged from 284,000 metric tons in 2015 to 929,000 metric tons in 2024. She called for continued collaboration between international partners as well as the public and private sectors to maintain Port Louis as one of the safest and most reliable bunkering ports in the region.

Ramsaha also underscored the need for resilience in a rapidly evolving global market, advocating for greater investment in storage capacity, digitalisation and strategic alliances to consolidate Mauritius’ position as a modern, forward-looking bunkering hub.

During the opening ceremony, Special Envoy and Advisor for Maritime and Blue Economy, Executive Office of the President of Kenya, Nancy Karigithu indicated that Maritime Week Africa 2025 presents an invaluable opportunity for industry professionals to address existing challenges while capitalising on new prospects for Africa’s blue economy.

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