Linsen Nambi Bunker Services operates within a turbulent environment. The local South African Bunker industry has been in a state of regression since 2010. Rising operating costs, competition from local and foreign entities, the global pandemic Covid19, IMO 2020, KZN floods, the lack of infrastructure development and the closure of local refining capacity are a few of the major external forces shaping the industry landscape.

Whilst the company cannot control the Macro forces, it can control the internal environment or Micro factors to better navigate the uncertainty.

At Linsen Nambi we employ 130 people and take our responsibility to every employee and their family seriously. It is this sense of responsibility that drives the company.

I often ponder, what the bunker industry would be like today if every company in this industry was motivated to succeed with same level of intensity running through our company?

It would be far different to what it is today.

The company’s commitment to its customers and the industry has translated in the improvement and evolution of its bunkering procedures, processes, and the technology used in the operation. One of these changes was the introduction of Mass flow meters (MFM).

A recent survey conducted by The International Bunker Industry Association (IBIA) and BIMCO revealed that industry stakeholders require greater transparency in the bunkering industry. To achieve this objective, stakeholders called for the licensing of bunker operators and the standardisation of quantity delivery instrumentation in the form of Mass flow meters (MFM).

Data collected from some of the Major bunker ports in the world also indicate a reduction in the difference between MFM discharge metering and the figures recorded on the receiving ships. The small error means a more accurate quantity transfer.

Linsen Nambi recognises the roll technology plays in providing customer comfort, satisfaction and ensuring customers get what they pay for, in terms of the stemmed quantity.

To this end the company has invested in mass flow meters backed up by Krohne tank radar gauging systems. This combination of metering instrumentation sets LNBS’ barges apart from their competitors and has provided the industry with the comfort sort as far as bunkering activities are concerned.

The efficiency of bunker operations and the accuracy of metering instrumentation are global industry considerations when deciding, at which ports to replenish bunker fuel reserves. LNBS’ bunkering operation is a major step forward for the South African bunker fuel market and a marketing plus for South Africa’s harbour ports.

Linsen Nambi is not content with just surviving in a turbulent market but leveraging market forces or changes, as an opportunity for growth. Surviving is not the plan, every strategic move made is to ensure the growth, success and sustainability of the company. This is not easy to achieve, when the industry is contracting, and the economy is under pressure.

The approach to business and the focus on what needs to happen must be clear. At Linsen Nambi it is simple, “succeed in everything you do because there is no other option”. From the board room to bilges every Linsen Nambi employee lives and works with this purpose.

The company continues to grow and create employment for South Africans while economic conditions dictate, that this shouldn’t be possible. There are many challenges ahead and people will always tell you what you can and cannot achieve, but these words are from people who are afraid.

Our message to South Africans and Linsen Nambi citizens is that “nothing is impossible”.

Trust God, do your part and let him do the rest.