BUNKERING giant Aegean Marine Petroleum Network is expanding its operations to Patras, the large ferry port and commercial hub on Greece’s west coast. US-listed Aegean has been serving Patras and its vicinity on a limited basis since the second quarter of 2008 from its base in Piraeus, but has now earmarked no less than four of its double-hull bunkering tankers to that market. The four vessels will continue to be stationed in Piraeus and run a continual shuttle service, but will be dedicated to the Patras region, an Aegean executive said. The move still leaves four bunkering tankers exclusively serving Piraeus, Greece’s top port, the company stated. Aegean has another 19 double-hull newbuildings still on order. Company president Nikolas Tavlarios said: “We are very pleased to establish a permanent presence in Patras, building on the Company's existing strong footprint in Greece and the Mediterranean.”