Ultra-low sulphur fuel for yachts

by Bobby Reis on 29 Nov 2014 The Antigua and Barbuda Marine Association (ABMA) is very pleased to announce that Falmouth Harbour Marina, Catamaran Marina and Antigua Yacht Club Marina are now providing only ultra-low sulphur fuel to yachts. This is as a result of the joint efforts of the marinas and the ABMA in raising the issue of the fuel previously supplied having a sulphur content higher than the legal requirements in Europe and, from the 1st January 2015, in the USA.

The last year saw ongoing discussions with the ABMA and West Indies Oil Company regarding meeting the specific requirements of the marinas. West Indies Oil Company has been instrumental in engineering a change in the fuel supply to meet European regulatory requirements. CEO Gregory Georges has confirmed: 'Following a request from the marinas it was clear that West Indies Oil needed to deliver the new lower sulphur content fuel at the most competitive price, so that on arrival from their Atlantic Crossings or before leaving for other destinations yachts can re-fuel adequately while ensuring that the fuel is below the legal sulphur content requirements in other jurisdictions.'

Mr Georges goes on to say: 'West Indies Oil Company is perfectly positioned to respond to such a request. An innovative solution was achieved by leveraging the existing fuel supply infrastructure which, in turn, negated the need for excessive financial investment. Further, we are proud to be adding another product line to our compliment of products and services.'

General Manager of Falmouth Habour Marina and ABMA Director Bobby Reis says: 'We are delighted that West Indies Oil has been able to deliver a solution and in fact has been able to provide us with the lowest possible sulphur content level available on the market. This will help us to safeguard the vital yachting sector by ensuring that the availability of this fuel means that yachts do not have to leave Antigua for another island before they wish to, just to refuel.'

The ABMA is delighted that the fuel situation has been rectified before the upcoming Antigua Charter Yacht Show which takes place in less than two weeks and heralds the beginning of the very important international yachting season in Antigua and Barbuda bringing with it enormous economic benefits to the islands.