West Indies Petroleum Limited (WIP), a fully Jamaican-owned integrated energy company, has reinforced its position as a major fuel storage and distribution provider in the Caribbean following a series of strategic developments in 2025, including a landmark public listing and new supply partnerships.
Founded in 2012, WIP has grown into a critical player in Jamaica’s energy landscape and a key hub for regional petroleum distribution, serving both domestic and international markets.
At the core of its operations is bunkering, where WIP stands as Jamaica’s largest fuel bunker operator. The company provides round-the-clock refuelling services to marine vessels, including cruise ships, cargo carriers and military vessels, supporting the island’s role as a strategic maritime gateway in the Caribbean.
Through its subsidiary, WIP Energy, the company also plays a dominant role in the retail and commercial fuel market. It supplies diesel and gasoline to independent gas stations, accounting for more than 80% market share in that segment, while also serving major transport operators, manufacturing firms and bauxite companies. Beyond Jamaica, WIP distributes petroleum products to more than 10 countries across the Caribbean and Central America, including Barbados, Guyana, Haiti and Panama.
The company’s infrastructure underpins its regional reach. WIP operates two primary fuel storage terminals with a combined capacity exceeding 700,000 barrels. The larger facility, WIP Terminal South at Port Esquivel in St. Catherine, is designated as a Special Economic Zone, enabling tax-exempt exports and efficient regional distribution. WIP Terminal North, located in Ocho Rios, St. Ann, serves Jamaica’s north coast and supports tourism and commercial activity in the area.
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A major milestone came on December 23, 2025, when WIP’s subsidiary, West Indies Petroleum Terminal Limited (WIPT), was officially listed on the Jamaica Stock Exchange Main Market. The listing marked a significant step in the company’s evolution, providing access to public capital while increasing transparency and investor participation in Jamaica’s energy sector.
Earlier in 2025, WIP also entered a new supply agreement with US-based Sunoco LP, strengthening its fuel sourcing capabilities to support expanding operations and growing regional demand.
Beyond commercial growth, the company has played a visible role in national resilience efforts. In late 2024 and throughout 2025, WIP Energy was instrumental in Jamaica’s recovery following Hurricane Melissa, prioritising fuel supply for essential services, critical infrastructure and the hospitality sector during periods of disruption.
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Leadership continuity has remained a defining feature of the company. WIP was founded by three Jamaican entrepreneurs who continue to lead the business: Charles Chambers, director and chief executive officer; Gordon Shirley, board chairman; and Tarik Felix, director of operations. Under their stewardship, the company has positioned itself as both a commercial energy provider and a strategic asset in regional logistics and economic development.
As energy security and regional integration gain prominence across the Caribbean, WIP’s expanding infrastructure, public market presence and cross-border operations place it at the centre of efforts to modernise fuel distribution and strengthen supply resilience in the region.
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