Chevron Marine Lubricants will extend its global supply network to Port Elizabeth in South Africa, allowing it to supply ships trying to avoid conflict in the Middle East.
Port Elizabeth is a major port of call for ships rounding the Cape of Good Hope. Over the past year, the route has become busier after Houthi rebels in Yemen began attacking ships in the Red Sea as they traverse the Suez Canal.
The number of vessels going around the cape instead of Suez increased rapidly by the end of 2023, with 80% of container ships electing to go south. A voyage from the Middle East to Europe adds 9,000 kilometers going around the cape, taking an extra 15 days.
Port Elizabeth is a multi-cargo facility and is in operation 363 days a year. The Chevron location will stock the company’s marine engine lubricants range, including the widely used Taro Ultra.