What trading services does 3FB Energy & Trade provide?
3FB Energy & Trade coordinates the transaction workflow for physical crude oil and refined petroleum products cargoes. That work falls into three areas: documentary trade finance, shipping and logistics, and independent cargo inspection. 3FB arranges, structures and facilitates these steps; it does not act as a bank, a shipowner or an inspection company.
How a transaction is structured
A physical oil transaction follows a repeatable path. The parties agree commercial terms and sign a definitive contract; a documentary payment mechanism such as a Letter of Credit is established; a vessel is nominated against an agreed loading window; an independent inspector determines quantity and quality at load and discharge; and the shipping and commercial document set is presented so that payment can be released.
3FB coordinates these steps so that the commercial contract, the banking instruments, the vessel programme and the inspection scope remain aligned with one another and with the delivery terms agreed between buyer and seller.
Documentary trade finance and payment mechanics — see Trade finance.
Independent quantity and quality determination — see Inspection.
Trade finance and documentary payments
Physical cargoes are commonly settled against documents rather than on open account. 3FB coordinates documentary trade finance arrangements such as Letters of Credit and documentary collections between the parties and their respective banks, and structures the commercial contract so that the payment trigger matches the agreed delivery terms. The trade finance page explains how these instruments operate.
Shipping and logistics
Delivery terms determine who nominates and pays for the vessel and where risk passes. 3FB arranges vessel nomination, laycan and loading windows, and coordinates port logistics and marine documentation under Incoterms 2020. The shipping and logistics page covers FOB, CIF and the operational sequence.
Independent inspection
An independent inspector appointed for the cargo determines quantity and quality at the load and discharge ports and issues the certificates relied on for payment. 3FB facilitates the appointment and scope of inspection; the determination itself is made by an independent company. The inspection page sets out how this works and the certificates produced.
Frequently asked questions
Does 3FB provide financing or lend money?
No. 3FB does not provide financing or credit. It coordinates documentary trade finance arrangements, such as Letters of Credit, between the parties and their banks. Credit is extended by the parties' own banks.
Does 3FB own ships or storage?
No. 3FB arranges and nominates vessels and coordinates port logistics. Tonnage and storage are contracted from third-party owners and operators for the specific cargo.
Does 3FB carry out cargo inspections itself?
No. An independent inspection company is appointed for the cargo. 3FB facilitates the appointment and the agreed scope; the quantity and quality determination is made independently.
Which delivery terms are used?
Transactions are typically structured under Incoterms 2020, most commonly FOB, CIF or CFR, depending on who arranges and pays for carriage and where risk passes between seller and buyer.
How does a transaction begin?
Engagement begins with KYC and compliance review and a definitive written contract. See Compliance and KYC for the checks applied before any cargo is committed.
Where does 3FB operate from?
3FB Energy & Trade is part of NGD Holding B.V., with its registered office in Tilburg, Netherlands, and its central trading desk in Istanbul, from which operations are coordinated.
