ExxonMobil Marine Lubricants and the Greek Group, a collection of likeminded Greek shipping families, celebrated a 50-year business partnership this summer, representing the oil company’s longest-running supply agreement with a Marine customer organization. The Greek Group was established in 1961 when nine shipping family companies formed a fuel and lubricants purchasing group with Mobil Bunker Ltd., London. The original companies, organised as the Prometheus Group, were mainly from the island of Chios in the eastern Aegean sea and had settled in London during World War II. Exxon Mobil Corporation has been serving the lubrication needs of the marine industry since the 1880s. Today, its global marine lubricants organisation is a leading supplier of mineral and synthetic oils, providing unsurpassed technical expertise and service for customers worldwide. During the 50 years of the supply partnership between ExxonMobil and these family companies, the Greek Group has grown and now consists of 29 Greek shipping companies. ExxonMobil Marine Lubricants supplies approximately 250 vessels within these companies.
To celebrate a half-century of cooperation, Exxon Mobil’s UK Marine Lubricants Department hosted a reception and dinner earlier this summer, to honor this longstanding partnership. More than 80 guests attended the event, held at the prestigious Yacht Club of Greece in Athens. Among those taking part were sons, daughters and relatives of the original shipping families. “A business relationship of this duration requires ongoing service and support,” said Ray Pomfret,
Global Marine Sales Manager, ExxonMobil Marine Lubricants. “Our reputation for providing innovative technologies and ability to reliably supply a complete range of Mobilgard products in smaller ports where many members of the Greek Group trade has been key in cementing this long-term relationship. It has also been the foundation for the personal and business relationships that have set a new record for our company.”