History

Cockett Marine Oil was founded in the UK in 1979 by Neil Cockett, whose aim was to provide an independent specialist marine fuel service to the shipping industry. Over the past four decades, the organisation underwent rapid expansion with the opening of strategic global offices in locations such as the USA, South Africa, the Netherlands, Türkiye, China, Singapore and Australia. 

Since 2012, Cockett Group has been 50% owned by Vitol, the world's largest energy and commodity group, and 50% by Grindrod, an integrated logistics and specialised services group, both with a combined industry experience of 150 years. In the same year, we moved our operational headquarters to Dubai as one of the world's prime east to west maritime hubs. 

Today, Cockett Group is an international leader and acknowledged value-added reseller of marine fuels, lubricants and petroleum products. We currently employ over 120 employees representing over 25+ nationalities based in 11 offices with 600 service points across five continents. Our multicultural working environment benefits our organisation and its counterparties by combining the best local business practices and international expertise to bridge business operations across the globe.  

OUR TIMELINE

  1. July
    Neil Cockett founded Cockett Marine Oil in the UK
  2. June
    Established South Africa Office
  3. Grindrod purchased 50% of Cockett
  4. November
    Established Korea Office
  5. Grindrod purchased the remaining 50% of Cockett
  6. October
    Established Singapore Office
  7. April
    Established Netherlands Office
    July
    Established Australia Office
  8. April
    Established USA Office
  9. Grindrod sold 50% of Cockett to Vitol
    March
    Established Dubai Office
  10. May
    Established Türkiye Legal Representative Office
    July
    Established Greece Office
  11. February
    Established China Representative Office
    September
    New Group CEO Cem Saral
    December
    Established New Lubricant Division.
    November
    New Executive Management Structure Implemented
  12. June
    Key New Senior Management Members Appointed
  13. 40th Anniversary
    IMO 2020 Readiness
  14. 45th Anniversary