Economic Zones World (EZW) announced that a subsidiary of Russian gas giant, Gazprom Energy, has established a base at its Djibouti Free Zone (DFZ).

Managed by Jafza, the flagship company of EZW, the Djibouti Free Zone is a gateway to East Africa and one of the single most important strategic logistics hubs to provide access to strategic markets in East and Central Africa and beyond.

DFZ offers a unique Jafza-inspired business environment and located close to global marine terminal operator, DP World’s Djibouti and Doraleh terminals which attract leading international shipping lines including Maersk and MSC among others.

Gazprom Neft Marine Bunkering, through its local subsidiary Djibouti Bunkering Company, plans to sell marine fuel to these shipping lines. The company has two storage tanks with a storage capacity of 9300 cubic meter and a barge in the marine oil terminal Doraleh. The company is awaiting quality control approval for its floating barge and expects to commence operations by June end.

“Djibouti Free Zone is a strategically located gateway linking free zone based companies to millions of customers in key markets in Africa and worldwide,” said Ali Dawood, senior vice president, EBU (Emerging Business Units), Economic Zones World and chief planning officer, UAE region.

“Gazprom Neft intends to deliver first class bunkering service to the marine industry in the region which will further develop and strengthen our business relations with Djibouti and the continent,” added Andrey Vasiliev, director general, Gazprom Neft Marine Bunker.-TradeArabia News Service