The GTI Statia (GTIS) storage terminal, backed by Prostar Capital and part of Prostar’s Global Terminal Investments business, recently formed a long-term partnership with Vitol, which will operate the marine fuel bunker supply business at the GTIS terminal.
GTIS will continue to provide storage, services and logistics infrastructure as before, Prostar said.
“We are very pleased to announce GTI Statia’s agreement with Vitol to operate the bunker business out of our world-class, 14-million-barrel facility,” said Dave Noakes, senior managing director of Prostar Capital. “It is part of Prostar’s continuing strategy to focus on GTIS’ storage operations and to reinvest capital into capacity expansion to meet strong customer demand. Vitol is one of the largest energy traders in the world and is a significant customer at GTIS and at Prostar’s other storage terminals globally.
“This new initiative will strengthen our relationship with Vitol and will be immediately accretive for both organizations while bringing significant value to GTIS’ customer base in the regional bunker market.”
GTIS is one of the largest independent crude and refined product storage terminals serving the US Gulf Coast and Caribbean markets. It is a leading player in the bunker fuel market, utilizing its unique and strategic location to serve customers in the cruise and cargo shipping industries. The strategic relationship with Vitol allows the parties to leverage GTIS’ flexible infrastructure and Vitol’s global marketing network to expand the GTIS bunker market, while continuing to provide high-quality service to existing customers.
“This strategic relationship allows the facility to focus on being a world-class terminal operator and will leverage our strategic vision to enhance the service, quality and value of the facility and the bunker business,” said John Roller, president and CEO of GTI Statia. “With its strong track record of delivering solutions and managing major end-to-end customer experience, we know that Vitol will continue to bring value to our terminal business.”
Steve Bickerton, senior managing director at Prostar, said the transaction builds on the $100 million capital investment plan for GTIS announced in March, and demonstrates the company’s commitment to the local economy.
“We are delighted to have forged a long-term relationship with Prostar and GTI Statia, and look forward to working with them at this first-class facility,” added Vitol’s Dominique Laborde.