Tue 16 Sep 2008, 11:05 GMT

Contaminated fuel off California coast


Local firm claims incident is the result of a refinery delivery mix-up.



Two Harbors, located at the Isthmus of Catalina Island, says it has learned that unleaded fuel with excessive levels (approximately 40 percent) of ethanol was sold to its customers during the period from August 30 - 8:00am to September 3rd 10am.

The excessive level of ethanol is claimed to have been the result of the local refinery delivering a load of what was supposed to be unleaded fuel but was in fact 100% ethanol. When this was then mixed with the existing unleaded fuel in the Two Harbors storage tanks it is said to have created a fuel mixture with approximately 40 percent ethanol.

Ann Luchau, Two Harbors Vice President and Chief Administrative Officer, is advising anyone who purchased fuel at Two Harbors during these dates to contact Two Harbors Enterprises to assist in having the fuel in their tanks switched out.

Luchau added, “Upon learning of this mistaken delivery, Two Harbors immediately ceased sales and had flushed its tanks to make sure our supply is no longer contaminated. The fuel mixture does not pose a health or safety risk to people, but could effect the performance of boats."

Two Harbors says it regrets this incident and plans to work closely with its customers to remedy the situation.

Those concerned are urged to call Two Harbors representatives Laura Mc Elroy on +1 310 510 4219 or Ann Luchau on +1 310 510 4204.


Delivery ceremony of Maran Myrto vessel. New Times Shipbuilding cuts steel on two crude tankers and delivers LNG dual-fuel vessel  

Chinese yard marks a busy 4 June with steel-cutting ceremonies and a tanker delivery to Maran.

Christening ceremony of Mercedes Pinto vessel. Baleària Canarias christens €128m dual-fuel fast ferry Mercedes Pinto for inter-island routes  

The catamaran will connect Tenerife, Gran Canaria and Fuerteventura with six daily departures.

AiP award ceremony for LPG dual-fuel 1,400-teu container vessel design. DNV awards AiP to HHI for LPG dual-fuel container vessel design  

Approval in principle granted for ship design targeting the underserved smaller container segment.

Olivier Josse, Alberto Pérez Espinosa and Luke Shu. Seascale Energy partners with Lloyd’s Register Advisory to build decarbonisation expertise  

The bunker firm has launched a knowledge partnership covering low-carbon fuels and maritime regulations.

CSL Kuleana vessel. CSL takes delivery of methanol-ready Kamsarmax as fleet renewal programme advances  

MV CSL Kuleana departs on maiden voyage, equipped with Tier III engines.

Peter Keller, SEA-LNG. LNG orderbook share hits 90% as methane pathway investment holds firm  

LNG bunkering volumes surge and biomethane uptake grows six-fold, despite geopolitical headwinds.

Vessel at sea with Graphyte and NYK Line logos. NYK to offset ship emissions with CDR credits from Loblolly project  

Japanese shipping group turns to biomass-based carbon sequestration to address residual maritime emissions.

Close-up view of a KESS vessel. K Line orders four LNG dual-fuel car carriers for European short-sea operations  

Kawasaki Kisen Kaisha contracts quartet of 1,380-vehicle vessels at China Merchants Jinling Shipyard.

Bunge logo. Bunge seeks bunker purchaser for Rotterdam operation  

Agribusiness is looking for candidates with experience in marine fuel procurement.

Launching ceremony of a 38,000-dwt chemical tanker with hull no. XY169. First vessel in NYK Stolt Tankers’ newbuild series launched in China  

FKAB-designed 38,000 DWT chemical tanker launched at Nantong Xiangyu Shipyard, China.