Sahara Group’s Mauritania Bunkering Operations Boost Africa’s Maritime Trade Corridor

Sahara Group has begun bunkering operations in Mauritania after receiving a 2026 bunkering licence from the Mauritanian government, reinforcing the country’s role as a strategic maritime and trade hub on the West African coast.

Bethel Obioma, Head of Corporate Communication at Sahara Group Ltd, announced that the launch includes the FT NERVI, a 7,600‑DWT bunker tanker. The vessel is fully equipped and currently positioned offshore Nouadhibou, allowing the immediate delivery of ISO 8217:2022 Marine Gasoil (MGO) and 0.50% Very Low Sulphur Fuel Oil (VLSFO) to international and regional ships operating in Mauritanian waters.

The start of these operations reflects Sahara’s broader strategy of deploying integrated midstream infrastructure, maritime assets, and trading expertise to support Africa’s expanding energy and trade ecosystems.

“This development is significant for Mauritania and for Africa’s maritime economy,” said Wale Ajibade, Executive Director of Sahara Group.

“By establishing operational bunkering capacity in Mauritania, we are supporting port competitiveness, improving vessel turnaround efficiency, and strengthening the infrastructure that enables regional and international trade.”

For Mauritania, the new service enhances the attractiveness of its ports as reliable service points for shipping and offshore activity along the Atlantic corridor, encouraging increased vessel traffic, associated services, and deeper participation in global trade flows.

For Africa, Sahara’s entry into the Mauritanian bunkering market strengthens the interconnection of the continent’s maritime supply chains, enabling vessels operating across West and North‑West Africa to access compliant fuels closer to trading routes while improving logistics resilience and efficiency.

Ajibade noted that the availability of ISO 8217:2022‑compliant fuels demonstrates Sahara’s commitment to internationally recognised marine fuel standards that prioritise quality, safety and environmental performance.

Additionally, the supply of 0.50% VLSFO supports the shipping industry’s transition toward lower‑emission operations in line with IMO sulphur regulations, helping to balance trade growth with environmental responsibility across Africa’s maritime corridors.

Sahara’s Mauritania bunkering launch builds on the Group’s established footprint in the maritime and midstream sector, including its deployment of LPG vessels that support energy access and cleaner cooking initiatives in multiple African markets.

Through these operations, Sahara has strengthened coastal supply chains, advanced marine‑based distribution systems, and demonstrated a track record of safe, reliable maritime logistics.

“Our experience operating LPG vessels and other maritime assets across Africa gives us a deep understanding of what it takes to run safe, reliable and responsive marine operations,” Ajibade added. He also said that Sahara would bring its operational discipline to Mauritania, “leveraging vessels, people, and systems that are already proven across the continent.”

The Mauritania operation aligns with Sahara Beyond XXX, the Group’s long‑term narrative focused on investing in infrastructure and platforms that go beyond transactions to enable mobility, trade and sustainable growth across Africa and beyond.