Cunningham Pier limitations force on-water refuelling

BUNKERED: Zemira refuels HMAS Syndey during its recent Geelong visit.

WEIGHT and access limitations on Cunningham Pier have forced the use of a barge to refuel a navy ship berthed in Geelong.
Viva Energy Australia said its Zemira refuelling vessel pumped 240,000 litres of marine diesel into HMAS Sydney in a process termed ‘bunkering’.
“Truck deliveries were not possible, due to access and weight limitations on the pier, meaning a barge delivery was the only workable option,” Viva said.
“This was the first bunker to a Naval vessel by Zemira since she commenced service in 2007. All of the fuel delivered to HMAS Sydney was manufactured at Viva Energy’s Geelong refinery and loaded onto Zemira at the refinery wharf.”
Viva Energy is Victoria’s sole supplier of marine bunker fuels by barge.