Aegean Marine Petroleum Network Inc. plans expansion in Barcelona, contracts with Meroil for onshore fuel oil storage. Aegean Marine Petroleum Network has signed an agreement to secure onshore fuel oil storage capacity in Port of Barcelona and plans to start supply operations by the end of Q1 2013. The port of Barcelona serves as a key transportation hub located along major seaborne trade routes, totalling approximately 10,000 transits per year and generating approximately 1.2 million metric tons of annual marine fuel sales volumes. The port, which also benefits from extensive cruise passenger travel, is currently undergoing a modernization and expansion plan headed by the Barcelona Port Authority that is expected to substantially increase the port's capacity upon completion in 2014.