GOING THE EXTRA MILE
Family-owned company Borkum Bunker provides a comprehensive service to all visiting vessels. From fuelling to maintenance services, the bunker station of Borkum is fully prepared to meet all ship and crew needs. Harbour Organisation Manager Ilona Weber and Bunker Service Manager Petra Schnell discussed the company’s commitment to quality service, in conversation with Antonia Cole.
Borkum Bunker’s range of partnerships enable it to meet a broad variety of customer needs, Bunker Service Manager Petra Schnell said: “We are always growing our network and have developed many new partnerships. From food companies for crew members to engineering companies for vessel repairs, our relationships mean we can quickly offer specialised services to meet the individual needs of clients.”
Established in 1996, Borkum Bunker is situated on the southern pier of the Borkum shelter harbour. This optimal location
provides convenient access to various vessel and crew services, meaning clients’ issues can be resolved quickly and effi ciently. Additionally, the company facilities offer easy access to many different vessel types, including offshore, sports or personal boats.
With its own vehicle fleet of three tanker trucks and two trailers, Borkum Bunker is able to efficiently transport goods from wholesale dealers to the bunker station. This reduces wait times and guarantees that expected timelines are met. The company
also has seven tank stores, totalling a capacity of 290,000 litres. With this, Borkum Bunker is able to meet customer diesel fuel requirements without difficulty and ensures continuous monitoring and quality are guaranteed.
In addition, the fuel passes through several filters before reaching the ship, something which is very important to owner Frank Weber. The observation of the development of new fuels and the preparation for them is similarly important.
“We ensure the quality and delivery of all our fuels and lubricants,” added Ms Schnell. “Every vessel that comes to us leaves fully prepared to take on its next endeavour.
At Borkum Bunker, we really try to take our service to the next level and provide the necessary care to both vessels and crew.
We are always happy to see new faces and welcome back old ones, and we will always go that extra mile for them.”
Fuelling success
The company is committed to delivering quality bunkering services to every client. Whether planned far in advance or on short notice, Borkum Bunker is able to prepare facilities to supply fuel to many different types of vessels quickly and efficiently.
All of Borkum Bunker’s fuels are also of the highest standard, ensuring the safety of boats and crew. With quality guaranteed at every stage of operations, the company is able to deliver services that equip customers for future successful journeys. Borkum Bunker also offers both common motor and hydraulic oils to clients to give a comprehensive set of services that meet individual needs.
“As a company, it is important for us to really understand our customers’ requirements when they come to visit us,” explained Harbour Organisation Manager Ilona Weber. “This means providing short lead times and being really communicative with our clients. We aim to be flexible, responsive and innovative in offering services and solutions to everyone that visits us. Through this, we are able to build up strong relationships that drive us forward.”
Borkum Bunker has a diesel station so that customers can not only receive ship fuels, but also diesel for cars, trucks, construction vehicles and more. This convenient service makes the client’s operation more efficient, saving time and transportation costs. Additionally, Borkum
EXCEPTIONAL CUSTOMER SERVICE IS AT THE HEART OF BORKUM BUNKER’S OPERATION AND THE COMPANY IS COMMITTED TO LISTENING TO, AND DELIVERING, THE DEMANDS OF CLIENTS “ “
Bunker can supply the diesel from a tanker truck for added accessibility and ease.
“As well as being utilised for industrial use, our fuelling station can also be used for recreational vessels, such as sports boats,” continued Ms Weber. “We want to make everyone’s trips easier, whether they are at work or on holiday. Borkum is an ideal location for crew transfer vessels , as well as a popular travel destination, and we strive to make sure everyone is ready for their journeys.”
The company provides clients with the opportunity to load or unload heavy cargo at its station too. With a 16-tonne crane, Borkum Bunker is able to manage containers, bulk cargo and more. This added service demonstrates the company’s ability to satisfy a wide range of demands, as well as further optimising customer operations.
Maintaining quality
Borkum Bunker centres customer satisfaction in operations. As well as high-quality bunkering, the company offers many additional services to meet the needs of each client visiting the pier. From repairing vessels to caring for crew, Borkum Bunker
collaborates with local partners to make sure requirements are met quickly and effectively.
This includes the maintenance and repair of ships in the harbour. In collaboration with Marine & Offshore Solutions, a technical service provider for the shipping industry, Borkum Bunker is able to supply a broad range of vessel repairs. Whether an emergency repair or routine maintenance, the company offers responsive and safe on-site assistance.
“From the procurement of spare parts to organising professional mechanics and divers for underwater works, we make sure that any maintenance can be carried out so that customers can keep operating,” commented Ms Weber. “Usually, we can have a specialist ready to help our clients the morning following the request. For urgent work, this is especially important as it means we can solve issues very quickly.”
The company is able to offer ship docking stations for offshore vessels on short notice too. The location is well suited to seagoing, offshore supply and crew transfer ships, with access to extensive facilities and modern infrastructure. There are tide-independent mooring and floating pontoons, large storage halls, a long eastern key, and a central helicopter and aircraft flying field. All of these factors combine to optimise operations for the client, which is accompanied by Borkum Bunker’s professional and friendly service.
“It is very special to work in a company that really makes a difference to clients,” added Ms Weber. “With our modern equipment and site, we are able to really go the extra mile to
meet our customers’ needs. We form strong relationships with our clients, whether it be on the pier or over a cup of coffee. Our open and responsive communication enables us to provide high-quality services and maintain those partnerships.”
Supporting crew
The company supports the crews of ships, in addition to the vessel itself. Borkum Bunker is able to guide clients through crew change processes, recommending and organising accommodations suited to specific needs if an overnight stay is necessary.
“Not only can our customers stock up on fuel with us, but they can also prepare themselves with either individual or crew supplies,” said Ms Schnell. “Anyone moored in the harbour has access to local shopping centres, which we will take them to, or we will collect and deliver the items for them. If a client is short for time, then they are also able to place an order via email in advance, which we will then prepare for their arrival. Additionally, we accept our clients’ parcels so they can order whatever they need.”
Exceptional customer service is at the heart of Borkum Bunker’s operation and the company is committed to listening to, and delivering, the demands of clients. With a welcoming and experienced team, customers can visit Borkum Bunker to fulfil their vessel and crew needs.
A focus on personal contact is vital to the company. Borkum Bunker strives to be open, honest and genuine. “This is the best recipe – otherwise our customers and our network will feel it,” Ms Weber concluded. n
