News

BILBAO – Gunvor Group (“Gunvor”), a leading global independent energy trading company, has completed the acquisition of a 75% ownership stake in Bahía De Bizkaia Electricidad S.L. (“BBE”), a 785MW combined cycle power plant located in Bilbao, Spain from bp.

The deal, announced in December 2023, has been approved by all relevant regulatory bodies, including the European Union (EU) Commission’s review of Merger Control (EUMR) and Foreign Subsidies Regulation (FSR).

Ente Vasco de la Energía (“EVE”), the energy agency of Basque Country, holds the remaining 25% ownership stake in BBE.

BBE is Gunvor’s first investment in a power generation asset, while expanding the company’s commitment to developing Spain’s energy sector. Gunvor’s strength in natural gas/LNG and growing power business will complement operations at the plant and contribute positively to Spain’s economy over the long-term.

About Gunvor
Gunvor Group is one of the world’s largest independent commodities trading houses by turnover, creating logistics solutions that safely and efficiently move physical energy, bulk materials, and base metals from where they are sourced and stored to where they are demanded most. Gunvor, which generated turnover of US $127 billion on volumes of 177 million MT in 2023, has committed to cut Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 40% by 2025. For more information, visit GunvorGroup.com

LAHORE – Gunvor Group, a leading global commodities trading company, has signed an agreement to purchase TotalEnergies’ 50% stake in Total PARCO Pakistan Limited (TPPL).

TPPL is a 50/50 joint venture between TotalEnergies Marketing and Services and Pak-Arab Refinery Limited (PARCO) in Pakistan with a retail network of more than 800 service stations, fuel logistics, and lubricants activities.

The new entity will continue its retail business under the existing “Total Parco” brand, and its lubricants business under the “Total” brand in Pakistan, continuing to serve its customers.

The acquisition remains subject to authorization by the relevant authorities and related agreements.

About Gunvor
Gunvor Group is one of the world’s largest independent commodities trading houses by turnover, creating logistics solutions that safely and efficiently move physical energy, bulk materials, and base metals from where they are sourced and stored to where they are demanded most. Gunvor, which generated turnover of US $127 billion on volumes of 177 million MT in 2023, has committed to cut Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 40% by 2025. For more information, visit GunvorGroup.com

About TotalEnergies
TotalEnergies is a global integrated energy company that produces and markets energies: oil and biofuels, natural gas and green gases, renewables and electricity. Our more than 100,000 employees are committed to provide as many people as possible with energy that is more reliable, more affordable and more sustainable. Active in about 120 countries, TotalEnergies places sustainability at the heart of its strategy, its projects and its operations.

• VARO’s project has made significant progress since announcement in September 2023. FEED has advanced and is expected to be complete, Q4 2024.
• Gunvor will join VARO as an equal partner to jointly develop a large-scale Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) manufacturing facility.
• The manufacturing facility in Rotterdam aims to deliver up to 7% of EU 2030 SAF mandate with nameplate capacity of 350 kt p.a.
• Focus on maximising flexibility in both feedstock and products (HVO and SAF) utilising proven technology to allow the plant to benefit from shifts in supply and demand.

ZUG / GENEVA – Gunvor Group (“Gunvor”) will join VARO Energy (“VARO”) in building a large-scale SAF manufacturing facility at the Gunvor Energy Rotterdam site through a proposed joint venture.

Since VARO announced on September 7, 2023 its intention to build a large scale SAF facility as a sole owner with total feedstock capacity of 350 kt pa., the project has made good progress.

Under the terms of the agreement, costs, and risks to develop the plant up to the final investment decision (FID) will be shared on an equal basis. Upon joint FID, and subject to necessary regulatory approvals, VARO and Gunvor will form a project company owned equally by both parties.

Following a rigorous project development process, the basis of design has been finalised and the Front-End Engineering Design (FEED) phase is expected to be completed in Q4 2024.

The facility is being designed to be able to process a variety of feedstocks. It will also have the capability to produce either SAF or HVO end products, allowing VARO and Gunvor to capture potential value by switching based on market conditions and regulatory requirements.

The location of the future facility, on the brownfield location of the Gunvor Energy Rotterdam site, will see it benefit from extensive existing infrastructure. This includes the transportation and relevant pipeline network, existing utilities and port facilities and geographic proximity to key customers and markets in Northern Europe and beyond.

Aviation is a vital and growing part of the global economy, connecting people and businesses around the world. However, it is also one of the fastest-growing sources of greenhouse gas emissions. Through this investment, VARO and Gunvor will support the aviation sector's decarbonisation with the capacity to produce SAF equivalent to 7% of the current SAF mandate set by the European Union for 2030.

Torbjörn Törnqvist, CEO of Gunvor, said:

“Large scale production and adoption of SAF are critical to meeting the airline industry’s goal of achieving net-zero emissions by 2050. We look forward to working with VARO to develop SAF production at our site in Rotterdam, which is a strategically central location with proximity to extensive port facilities, major European airports, and well-developed energy infrastructure.”

Dev Sanyal, CEO of VARO Energy, said: 

“If efforts to decarbonise aviation are to be successful, it is essential that European SAF supply increases to meet mandated demand growth by the end of the decade. This can only be achieved by designing and constructing production facilities leveraging existing infrastructure coupled with the ability to process the widest range of feedstocks and the flexibility to produce both HVO and SAF. At VARO, we have developed this project with a focus on cost competitiveness in order to be a reliable counterparty for our customers’ growing demand.

Strong partnerships between companies will accelerate this pathway and I am delighted that Gunvor will be joining us as an equal partner. Our focus now is on completing FEED this year in order to move towards a Final Investment Decision.”

Notes to editors

About SAF
Sustainable Aviation Fuel is a ‘drop-in’ fuel. It is compatible with existing aircraft and fuel logistics infrastructure without requiring any modifications. At scale, SAF has an important role to play in helping the aviation industry decarbonise. Used as a direct replacement for conventional aviation fuel, SAF offers up to 90% Greenhouse Gas (“GHG”) savings, allowing the commercial aviation sector to decarbonise the vast majority of its emissions.

About VARO Energy
VARO Energy (“VARO”) is the partner of choice for customers in the energy transition by providing the sustainable and reliable energy solutions that they need to decarbonise. Engine 1 includes manufacturing, storage, distribution, marketing, and trading of conventional energies. Engine 2 activities are focused on sustainable energies and include biofuels, biogas, green hydrogen, e-mobility, and nature-based carbon removals. VARO plans to invest around $3.5 billion over the 2022-26 period, with two-third committed to sustainable energies. The company has a net zero target for scope 1, 2 and 3 by 2040. VARO, a private company owned by Carlyle Group (66.66%) and Vitol (33.33%) is headquartered in Switzerland with a diversified presence in twenty-six countries.

About Gunvor
Gunvor Group is one of the world’s largest independent commodities trading houses by turnover, creating logistics solutions that safely and efficiently move physical energy, bulk materials, and base metals from where they are sourced and stored to where they are demanded most. Gunvor, which generated turnover of US $127 billion on volumes of 177 million MT in 2023, has committed to cut Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 40% by 2025. For more information, visit GunvorGroup.com

SINGAPORE – Gunvor Singapore Pte. Ltd. (the “Borrower”), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Gunvor Group Ltd (“Gunvor” or the “Group”), has closed a US $1.2 billion sustainability-linked, syndicated revolving credit facility (“RCF” or “Facility”) on 14 June 2024.

The Facility, which was launched initially at US $750 million in April 2024, benefited from strong support from Gunvor’s banking partners and attracted new banks, and closed significantly oversubscribed by over 60%, increasing the total facility amount from the previous year. The Borrower has further upsized the Facility by US $120 million via an accordion feature, which was structured to accommodate two banks that joined the Facility after signing, bringing the total Facility amount to US$1.32 billion as of 12 July 2024.

The 364-day Facility, which is guaranteed by the Company and includes two 12-month extension options, will be used for general corporate and working capital purposes, including the refinancing of the Borrower’s existing US$ 1.035 billion 2023 Asia Sustainability-linked Revolving Credit Facility.

Similar to previous financings, the Facility includes four sustainability Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) supporting the Group’s strong commitment to improve the environmental impact of its trading operations and to invest in sustainable commodities and businesses. The KPIs relate to the reduction of Scope 1 and 2 Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions; reduction of Scope 3 GHG emissions associated with the improvement of energy efficiency of the shipping fleet; the investment in non-fossil fuel projects; and the assessment of the Group's assets, JVs and suppliers against Human Rights principles. Each KPI is tested annually and verified externally in line with LMA SLL principles.

"The successful renewal of our Asian RCF is the result of the deep collaboration between Gunvor and its banking partners. The strong relationship we have with our core financing partners, enhanced by the welcome addition of several new lenders into our upsized anchor facility, demonstrates their support for the Group’s strong performance and positive outlook," said Jean Rohr, Gunvor’s Regional CFO for Asia-Pacific.

Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank PJSC, China CITIC Bank International Limited, DBS Bank Ltd., MUFG Bank, Ltd. and Oversea-Chinese Banking Corporation Limited were mandated to arrange the Facility and acted as the Active Bookrunning Mandated Lead Arrangers for the Facility. Agricultural Bank of China Limited, Singapore Branch, Arab Petroleum Investments Corporation, Emirates NBD Bank (P.J.S.C), Singapore Branch, First Abu Dhabi Bank PJSC – Singapore Branch, Natixis, Singapore Branch and State Bank of India, Singapore Branch remain as the Bookrunning Mandated Lead Arrangers. Indian Bank and Union Bank of India, DIFC Branch, Dubai joined as new Bookrunning Mandated Lead Arrangers. DBS Bank Ltd. also acted as syndication coordination agent, while Natixis, Singapore Branch also acted as Facility Agent, legal and documentation agent and sustainability coordinator of the Facility.

Coöperatieve Rabobank U.A., Singapore Branch, UBS AG, Crédit Agricole Corporate and Investment Bank, Singapore Branch, and ING Bank N.V., Singapore Branch are Senior Mandated Lead Arrangers.

China CITIC Bank Corporation Limited, Shanghai Branch joined as a new Mandated Lead Arranger, while Mizuho Bank, Ltd, Société Générale, a public limited company incorporated in France, acting through its Hong Kong branch, and United Overseas Bank Limited are Mandated Lead Arrangers.

Furthermore, Westpac Banking Corporation, Singapore Branch, Bank of China Limited, Singapore Branch and China Construction Bank Corporation Singapore Branch all joined as new Lead Arrangers, whereas Commerzbank Aktiengesellschaft, Singapore Branch, Habib Bank Limited, Singapore Branch, Krung Thai Bank Public Company Limited, Singapore Branch, and Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation Singapore Branch are the Lead Arrangers.

Sumitomo Mitsui Trust Bank, Limited Singapore Branch, Banque Internationale de Commerce - BRED (Suisse) SA, and National Bank of Fujairah PJSC remain as Arrangers.

About Gunvor Group
Gunvor Group is one of the world's largest independent commodities trading houses by trading volume, creating logistics solutions that safely and efficiently move physical energy from where it is sourced to where it is demanded most. With strategic investments in industrial infrastructure (refineries, pipelines, storage and terminals), Gunvor further generates sustainable value across the global supply chain for its customers. The Group's 3 main trading hubs are in Geneva, Singapore and Houston, with other trading offices in Stamford, Dubai, London and Shanghai, supported by a network of more than 20 representative and other trading offices around the globe.

LIBREVILLE – The Gabon National Oil Company (Gabon Oil Company), which exercised its pre-emptive rights in November 2023 and subsequently entered into a sale and purchase agreement with Carlyle in February 2024, is pleased to announce the successful completion of its acquisition of Assala Energy, an oil exploration and production company active in Gabon, whose daily production is around 45,000 barrels.

This acquisition was done with the financial backing of Gunvor Group, a leading global energy commodities trading company based in Switzerland.

According to Marcellin SIMBA NGABI, Gabon Oil Company’s Chief Executive Officer, this acquisition is of paramount importance for the Republic of Gabon, unique shareholder of Gabon Oil Company. It will enable the Republic of Gabon, reinforce its control and sovereignty over its oil and gas reserves, and significantly increases its oil revenues.

“Gunvor is proud to have been selected as Gabon’s partner for this strategic acquisition,” said Stephane Degenne, Member of Gunvor Group’s Executive Committee. “As a leading global oil trading company, Gunvor brings its strengths—global market expertise and financing—to support GOC’s energy agenda.”

About Gunvor Group
Gunvor is one of the world’s largest independent commodities trading houses by turnover, creating logistics solutions that safely and efficiently move physical energy from where it is sourced and stored to where it is demanded most. Gunvor has strategic investments in industrial infrastructure — refineries, pipelines, storage and terminals — that complement our core trading activity and generate sustainable value across the global supply chain for our customers. The company in 2023 generated US $127 billion in revenue on 177 million MT of volumes.

Gunvor Group Ltd (“Gunvor”), one of the world’s leading independent commodities trading companies, today announces the following financial information for the year ended 31 December 2023:

• Revenue: US $127 billion                             
• Volumes: 177 million MT                              
• Gross Profit: US $3.248 billion                    
• Net Profit After Tax: US $1.252 billion         
• Equity: US $6.157 billion                               

Throughout 2023, Gunvor’s focus on advanced analytics and trading systems, and an infusion of new talent and business lines, enabled the Group to effectively navigate normalizing market conditions to deliver the second strongest trading result in the Group’s history, with a net income of $1.252 billion.

Market conditions were broadly less favorable for commodities trading than the previous year. While sanctions-related market dislocations resulting from the war in Ukraine continued, commodities markets struggled with numerous new headwinds, including: a weaker than expected Chinese economy, monetary tightening, a stronger US dollar, and an oil supply cut by OPEC+. The very high price volatility across energy commodities in 2022 gradually decreased over 2023, and prices normalized, particularly in natural gas. By year end, they achieved a level consistent with long-term trends.  

Nevertheless, the investments Gunvor has made within the Group in recent years contributed to a strong performance. Gross profit for the year was US $3.248 billion, with after-tax net profit of US $1.252 billion. The result includes US $467 million in provisions taken related to the settlement of the Ecuador case, along with other non-recurring expenses.

Gunvor’s trading performance was broad based, once again across all desks and geographies, with meaningful contributions from the Group’s assets, including refining and shipping, as well as many of the new trading activities Gunvor is developing. The Group’s revenue fell to US $127 billion from US $150 billion the previous year, reflecting the decline in commodities prices; whereas total trading volumes increased to 177 million MT, up from 165 million MT, driven by the growth in new talent and business lines.

With its commitment to retain the majority of its profits in the company, the Group further continued to build its equity position. By year end, it reached a historic high of US $6.157 billion, representing a more than three-fold increase over the last five years. The Group’s strengthened equity allows for greater access to liquidity and the ability to move quickly on trading and investment opportunities as they arise.

Gunvor continued its sustainability journey by further defining targets addressing areas such as carbon footprint, reduction of CO2 emissions in all activities, waste and wastewater management, human rights and improvements to safety. Notably in 2023, Gunvor calculated for the first time the total Scope 3 emissions of the Group’s traded products from production to combustion, with the aim of defining clear carbon intensity for each flow and defining targeted approaches to reduce it. The data will be available in Gunvor’s 2023 Sustainability & Ethics report to be published mid-2024.

Gunvor’s shareholding at year-end stood at 84.21% held by Torbjörn Törnqvist, the majority beneficial owner, with the remaining 15.79% held by the Gunvor Employee Shareplan. There are no outside shareholders or economic interests.

About Gunvor Group
Gunvor is one of the world’s largest independent commodities trading houses by turnover, creating logistics solutions that safely and efficiently move physical energy from where it is sourced and stored to where it is demanded most. Gunvor has strategic investments in industrial infrastructure — refineries, pipelines, storage and terminals — that complement our core trading activity and generate sustainable value across the global supply chain for our customers. 

LONDON - Gunvor and Pakistan LNG Limited confirm they have now settled all outstanding legal proceedings on terms satisfactory to all concerned. The parties look forward to continuing to work together. The terms and details of the settlement are subject to confidentiality agreements.

About Gunvor Group
Gunvor is one of the world’s largest independent commodities trading houses by turnover, creating logistics solutions that safely and efficiently move physical energy from where it is sourced and stored to where it is demanded most. Gunvor has strategic investments in industrial infrastructure — refineries, pipelines, storage and terminals — that complement our core trading activity and generate sustainable value across the global supply chain for our customers. The company, which in 2022 generated U.S. $150 billion in revenue on 165 million MT of volumes, is the leading independent global trader of liquefied natural gas (LNG).

HOUSTON & BROWNSVILLE - Texas LNG Brownsville LLC (“Texas LNG”), a four million tonnes per annum (“MTPA”) liquefied natural gas (“LNG”) export terminal to be constructed in the Port of Brownsville, Texas, a subsidiary of Glenfarne Energy Transition, LLC (“Glenfarne”), has signed a Heads of Agreement (“HOA”) with Gunvor Group through its subsidiary Gunvor Singapore Pte Ltd (“Gunvor”) for a 20-year LNG FOB sale and purchase agreement (“SPA”) for 0.5 MTPA of LNG from Texas LNG.

“We’re thrilled to welcome Gunvor to our portfolio of customers, connecting Texas LNG, one of the lowest-emitting liquefaction facilities in the world, with global economies in need of reliable, sustainable energy,” said Brendan Duval, CEO and Founder, Glenfarne Energy Transition and Co-President of Texas LNG.

“With the previously announced commencement of the execution phase of the project financing process, this agreement aligns with our plan to take a final investment decision on Texas LNG this year,” said Vlad Bluzer, Co-President of Texas LNG.

“We are pleased to have executed this agreement and become one of the foundation buyers of the Texas LNG project. Gunvor continues to support US LNG export projects, unlocking new supplies for the global energy market and providing energy security especially to our customers in Europe and Asia” said Kalpesh Patel, Co-Head of LNG Trading of Gunvor.

Today’s news follows Texas LNG’s recently announced LNG tolling agreement with EQT Corporation (“EQT”). Texas LNG also recently announced partnerships with Baker Hughes, ABB and Gulf LNG Tugs of Texas. These partnerships total nearly one billion dollars of investment into the project.

Glenfarne Energy Transition, a developer, owner, and operator of energy transition infrastructure, is the majority owner and managing member of Texas LNG. Texas LNG will achieve financial close and begin construction in 2024 commencing commercial operations in 2028. Glenfarne Energy Transition is also the sole owner and developer of the 8.8 MTPA Magnolia LNG in Lake Charles, Louisiana.

About Texas LNG
Texas LNG is a 4 MTPA LNG export facility to be constructed in the Port of Brownsville, Texas and a subsidiary of global energy transition leader, Glenfarne Energy Transition, LLC. Texas LNG is led by an experienced team committed to creating one of the cleanest, lowest emitting LNG export facilities in the world through electric motor drives. Additional information about Texas LNG may be found on its website at www.texaslng.com

About Glenfarne Energy Transition, LLC
Glenfarne Energy Transition is a wholly owned subsidiary of Glenfarne Group, a privately held energy and infrastructure development and management firm based in New York City and Houston, Texas, with offices in Dallas, Texas; Panama City, Panama; Santiago, Chile; Bogota, Colombia; Barcelona, Spain; and Seoul, South Korea. Glenfarne Energy Transition aims to address the “here and now” global energy transition through three core businesses: Global LNG Solutions, Renewables, and Grid Stability. The company’s seasoned executives, asset managers, and operators develop, acquire, manage, and operate energy infrastructure assets throughout North and South America. For more information, please visit www.GlenfarneEnergyTransition.com

About Gunvor Group
Gunvor is one of the world's largest independent commodities trading houses by turnover, creating logistics solutions that safely and efficiently move physical energy from where it is sourced and stored to where it is demanded most. Gunvor has strategic investments in industrial infrastructure — refineries, pipelines, storage and terminals — that complement our core trading activity and generate sustainable value across the global supply chain for our customers. The company, which in 2022 generated U.S. $150 billion in revenue on 165 million MT of volumes, is the leading independent global trader of liquefied natural gas (LNG).