— On March 30, 2026, Translux Limited successfully completed the placement of its debut $20 million bond issue with a 14% annual coupon, denominated in US dollars. Translux Limited is the oldest oil trading company in DIFC.
Translux Limited has been operating for more than 20 years and specializes in marine fuel bunkering at sea. The company purchases fuel in bulk from leading international suppliers, including BP and Vitol, and delivers it directly to vessels offshore. Over the years, Translux has served thousands of vessels and built long-term relationships with major global container shipping companies, including MSC, Maersk, and CMA CGM. The company generates approximately $120 million in annual turnover and around $7.5 million in net profit, with gross margins reaching approximately 50%. The company has had no defaults throughout its operating history.
The Translux bond issuance was structured by Velar Capitals, an international investment platform specializing in IPO, pre-IPO, and debt capital markets. Velar Capitals develops a long-term support model for companies on their path to the public capital markets, from structuring debt and establishing a transparent financial track record to preparing the equity journey, developing institutional demand, and ultimately supporting an IPO. Velar Capitals sees Kazakhstan as one of the key markets in Central Asia and views AIX as an international platform through which local investors gain access to global issuers.
The current Translux bond issue is not just a placement but part of a broader strategy. The company views public debt as a step toward an IPO in the coming years and as a tool for building a transparent track record in the capital markets. At the same time, Translux plans to issue a subsequent bond at a lower rate, further enhancing the attractiveness of the current issue.
Strong investor interest is driven not only by the terms of the issuance but also by the underlying business. The global bunkering market exceeds $150 billion annually. As global shipping routes shift, traffic is increasingly moving through the Atlantic along the west coast of Africa. This is driving demand for marine fuel supply in the region where Translux already operates. Dakar is emerging as a key hub. On the route between Lomé and Las Palmas, spanning approximately 2,000 nautical miles, it is the only location combining a deep-water port, developed infrastructure, and a stable jurisdiction. Translux holds an exclusive license in this corridor until 2032, effectively securing a key position on this route. The bunkering market in Dakar is growing at approximately 13% per year.
Another important signal for the market is that major international players are already increasing their presence in the region. Leading global companies, including Monjasa, Vitol, Peninsula, and Flex Commodities, are shifting their volumes toward West Africa. For investors, this means the company operates not in a hypothetical growth area but in a segment where the world’s largest industry players are already active.
Following the successful placement, Translux and Velar Capitals are also considering expanding their presence in Kazakhstan. This includes deeper engagement with the market, expansion of the investor base, and the potential opening of a joint office, reinforcing a long-term focus on the region.
The Translux placement on AIX represents a market deal, an infrastructure case, and a strong signal for investors. The oldest oil trading company in DIFC entered the capital markets at a time when global logistics is shifting in its favor, and demand for its services is growing alongside the rerouting of global shipping flows around Africa. Against this backdrop, the current issuance has already become a notable entry point into the company’s story, which, according to its plans, will continue moving toward an IPO in the coming years.
Contact Info:
Name: Dmitriy Vettori
Email: Send Email
Organization: Translux Limited
Website: https://translux.ae/
