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New Zealand fuel distributor Z Energy has confirmed that it has signed a new 10-year charter agreement with SeaFuels Limited for the state-of-the-art fuel bunkering vessel Awanuia [pictured].

SeaFuels is a 50:50 joint venture between Ports of Auckland Ltd and PB Bunkers BVI Ltd.

Awanuia is the only powered marine fuel oil vessel in New Zealand. 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, said the Awanuia is an important and distinctive asset for Z, which enables safe and convenient bunkering for its marine fuel customers. "Securing the Awanuiaon a further long-term charter is great news for all our customers who love the fact that the Awanuia can effortlessly deliver their bunker requirements while they focus on what really matters.

"The safe operation of the Awanuia is also of critical importance and we’re equally pleased to acknowledge a safety milestone in the completion of two years of operation without a single lost time injury," remarked Nicolas.

SeaFuels Chairman, Wayne Mills, said that making safety a priority was critical to doing business today. "The acknowledgement from Z Energy recognises the very significant efforts of our staff and was well received by the Awanuia crew," he commented.

"Continuing the long-term Charter with Z Energy is good news for the port and its customers, and good news for New Zealand. Awanuia is a significant asset for sea trade in New Zealand which makes an important contribution to the national economy," added Mills.

He said Awanuia's capability was demonstrated in its deployment to recover the fuel oil from the stricken Rena off the coast of Tauranga in 2011.

Awanuia was delivered as a new build to Auckland in 2009. With a double hulled configuration, bow and stern thrusters, fuel capacity of 3,500 tonnes and skippered by master mariners, Awanuia is described by Z Energy as being the only vessel of its type operating in New Zealand that can deliver significant bunkering quantities in a single movement, including bunkers at multiple anchorage points in the Waitemata harbour.