Vy-Anne Young | Marine Manager, Vivo Energy
In Mauritius, Vivo Energy operates in retail and commercial fuels, Marine and Aviation, Liquefied Petroleum Gas and Lubricants. Previously known as Shell Mauritius, it was the first company to own and operate a barge and has been supplying fuel to the marine sector for over 70 years. Vy-Anne Young, Marine Manager for Vivo Energy Mauritius introduces us to the intricacies and challenges of the sector in a backdrop of heightened environmental and pandemic-related challenges.
Mrs Vy-Anne Young, can you share a few highlights of your career which have led you to occupy the position of Marine Manager for Vivo Energy Mauritius ?
My career has been quite unusual as I took different paths over the years. The choices were all motivated by curiosity and the quest for personal development. I graduated in Mechanical and Production Engineering with specialization in Biomedical Engineering. I had planned to work overseas after graduating, but during my holidays in Mauritius, just before the graduation ceremony, I landed a position as After Sales Manager in a company commercialising Medical and Laboratory equipment. After a short period in this first job, I moved on to integrate a prestigious jewellery production unit, manufacturing high-end jewellery for the local market, and semi-finished goods for export. Over the years, I oversaw Production, Quality Assurance, and Research & Development.
In 2011, I had an opportunity to join Shell (as it was formerly known then) as a Field Sales Manager, thus trading one commodity for another. This is where I discovered the intricacies of sales. I enjoyed working with customers, learning more about their activities in order to offer the best solution to fit their needs. I am proud to say that Vivo Energy has contributed in the development of Mauritius across all sectors of economy. I remember going to the Bagatelle Dam at its inception, when there was no proper access road yet, to propose our services to the construction company in charge of the project. Additionally, we once collaborated with the University of Mauritius. The objective was to enable professional internships for students using our network of customers. Vivo Energy gave technical support to the participants who produced outstanding projects on energy saving initiatives in a textile factory, and in a construction company, amongst others.
I joined the Marine department in 2017 and started a new journey in a dynamic, exciting industry.
Can you give us an overview of Vivo Energy’s history in Mauritius ?
The Shell brand has a long history in Mauritius, being present in the country since 1905. In 1991, the company, then known as Shell Mauritius Limited, was floated on the Mauritian Stock Exchange. Currently, Mauritian shareholders hold around 23% of the company. Vivo Energy Mauritius was established on 1 December 2011 as the company that markets and distributes Shell branded fuels and lubricants to retail and commercial customers in Mauritius. Since our inception, we pride ourselves in being part of the wider Vivo Energy family that spans the continent of Africa in 23 countries.
In Mauritius, Vivo Energy operates in Retail and Commercial Fuels, Marine and Aviation (in partnership with Vitol Aviation), Liquefied Petroleum Gas and Lubricants.
The company’s mission is to safely market and distribute energy and petrochemical products while offering innovative value-added services. It employs 120 people and operates 50 service stations under the Shell brand. It has a network of 900 LPG resellers and has access to 49,341 m3 of fuel and 7,390 m3 of LPG storage capacity.
Vivo Energy Mauritius has been a supplier to the marine sector for over 70 years. We deliver fuel at quay or by barge at anchorage. In 1971, when the company was known as Shell Mauritius, we became the first company to own and operate our own barge. Since then, we have built on our expertise for 40 years to introduce new barges to cater for the expanding and evolving needs of our customers.
As Marine Manager, what aspects of the process do you manage ?
I mostly look after our main markets. I am in charge of the delivery planning and I ensure the follow-up for vessels and maritime routes. I work closely with the Mauritius Ports Authority to coordinate operations in the port. Together we aim to provide the best services to our clients making Mauritius a great destination for any ships in the Indian Ocean. However, there can be some challenges linked to the port infrastructure but it is part of my job to find solutions and overcome these hurdles. The administrative set-up is also part of my duties. I also help with the customs and clearance. My daily tasks evolve around the safe management of the fleet. Our utmost priority at Vivo Energy is the safety and security of our clients, employees and any other partners.
I understand how important my role is and I feel it’s my responsibility to grow the Marine business in a sustainable way. As such, it not only includes overseeing the sales and profitability of the business, but also to ensure that all activities along the value chain are carried out under stringent health, safety, security and environment (HSSE) standards.
Due diligence is always carried out on the source of product to ensure that it does not come from sanctioned countries. Vivo Energy Mauritius upholds and applies all international norms and standards that regulate the industry.
Our company is in full compliance with this standard. Likewise, our marine fuel oil and marine gas oil conform to ISO 8217/2012 (RMG380/ RME180/DMA). Upon receipt of product in our shore tanks, a full certification is carried out against all parameters of the ISO standards.
In line with our product stewardship policy, all tankers that are eligible to carry fuel, oil or gas undergo a vetting process to ensure seaworthiness of the vessel.
Vivo Energy Mauritius is certified ISO9001, guaranteeing a solid system of quality management at all our depots and bunker deliveries, ex-pipe at quay and ex- barge at anchorage. To do so, we have a special unit, a bunker desk who looks for ways to optimize our logistics resources. Together with the operations department, they carefully coordinate with vessel agents, customs authorities, port authorities for a smooth delivery to marine customers.
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