Z Energy has signed a new 10-year charter agreement with SeaFuels Limited for the fuel bunkering vessel Awanuia.
The Awanuia was delivered new in 2009 and it has a double hulled configuration, bow and stern thrusters, and a fuel capacity of 3,500 tonnes.
It is the only vessel of its type operating in New Zealand that can deliver bunkering quantities in a single movement, including bunkers at multiple anchorage points in the Waitemata harbour.
Based in Auckland, the Awanuia collects marine fuel oils from the Marsden Point Refinery and refuels vessels in both Auckland and Marsden Point.
Z Energy’s commercial general manager, Nicolas Williams, says the Awanuia is an important asset for Z which enables safe bunkering for its marine fuel customers.
“Securing the Awanuia on a further long-term charter is great news for our customers. The vessel can deliver their bunker requirements while they focus on what really matters.
“The safe operation of the Awanuia is also critical, and we have passed a milestone in two years of operation without a single lost time injury,” says Nicolas.
SeaFuels is a 50:50 joint venture between Ports of Auckland Limited and PB Bunkers BVI Ltd.
“Continuing the long-term Charter with Z Energy is good news for the port and its customers,” says SeaFuels chairman Wayne Mills.
He says Awanuia’s capability was demonstrated in its deployment to recover the fuel oil from the stricken Rena off the coast of Tauranga in 2011.
