Marine Supply and Industrial Lubricants Limited was started in March 2021 out of the need to satisfy the demand for lubricants and other supplies needed by ships calling on ports in Jamaica. The founder, Rohan Webb, who has a background in chemical engineering, formerly worked with Sol Petroleum Jamaica Limited as a sales executive, selling lubricants to the retail and industrial sectors. While living and working downtown, Rohan’s attention was continually drawn to the number of ships docked in the Kingston Harbour year-round. It dawned on him that these vessels needed supplies of various kinds, particularly lubricants. Rohan was instrumental in persuading his company to enter the Marine Lubricant market in Jamaica but when Sol Petroleum closed its Jamaican operations in 2019 the desire to continue in this market grew in his heart.

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In what some might call a counterintuitive move, Rohan started MSiLL at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. There were far fewer vessels calling on Jamaican ports, as world trade had fallen off and supply chains had been disrupted, leading to delays in stock replenishment and misplaced orders.

Lubricants, especially Marine Lubes were also scarce because the blenders could not source raw materials. However, Rohan was able to step into the gap caused by scarcity and fill a need. And so MSiLL has been gradually establishing itself as the go-to supplier of lubricants and other necessities to the shipping industry.

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What distinguishes MSiLL from the competition is its hands-on approach to service. “I make it my point of duty to be present at all operations to not only ensure things go well but also to meet with the relevant people, says Rohan. “We do what we love and we love what we do."

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