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Caltex Australia has entered into an agreement with barge operator Korevaar Marine Group to use the company's double-hulled self-propelled barge Bunker V, Datamonitor reports.

The vessel will be used to carry out bunker deliveries to cruise ships and international cargo vessels on the Brisbane River.

Bunker V is expected to arrive in Brisbane in December 2009 and will replace the dumb (non-motorized) barge Riverside OFL and tug Mina Campbell, which are being retired by their operator after traversing the Brisbane River for a number of years.

Bunker V is currently undergoing modifications to ensure it is compliant with current Maritime Pollution legislation for the prevention of pollution at sea.

Phil Hickey, Caltex's senior marine adviser, said that the agreement would ensure safe, reliable and efficient bunkering on the Brisbane River for years to come.

Mr Hickey said: "Our decision to enter into this agreement with Korevaar was due to the operator's wealth of experience in marine operations, including bunkering."

Bunker V was involved in a minor marine collision four years ago in the Williamstown Channel when it collided with a beacon. As a result of the incident, which took place on July 14th 2005, the beacon collapsed into the water requiring replacement and the Bunker V suffered minor damage to its bow.

A GPS Chart Plotter was later installed on Bunker V, which indicated the position of the barge on an electronic chart and which also included the position of navigational aids.

Caltex Australia, the country's largest refiner, yesterday posted a net profit of A$362 million (US$300 million) for the first six months of 2009, compared with A$354 million (US$294 million) a year ago.

Operating profit surged 52 percent from A$196 million (US$163 million) during the first half of 2008 to A$298 million (US$247 million) this year.