Engine fault hits $20m refuelling tanker

A mechanical problem has hit the new $20 million tanker that will be used to refuel ships in Auckland's port.

Seafuels vessel Awanuia missed out on loading its first cargo of fuel from the Marsden Point oil refinery on Wednesday because of an engine pump problem and could be delayed for nearly a week.

The 80m vessel was bought to replenish ships with fuel directly from Marsden Point rather than using a bunkering barge that had been towed from a fuel tank at Wynard Wharf at the western end of Auckland's port. The tank will go in a revamp of the area.

At a welcoming ceremony for the Awanuia last week, joint venture owner Ports of Auckland said refuelling was an essential service for visiting cruise ships and cargo vessels. The port is the country's biggest and in the past financial year was visited by 69 cruise ships.

Seafuels executive director Wayne Mills said the delay would affect one visiting ship which would have to take on fuel directly at Wynard Wharf on Sunday.

One of four drive unit pumps in the Awanuia's engine room needed repairs and parts from Europe. The ship had backup engine and pumping systems and Seafuels was being "particularly cautious" by leaving it berthed at Marsden Point.

"She's sitting quite safely alongside the wharf at the moment," said Mr Mills.

The ship was built in Turkey and had undergone extensive sea trials after it was launched early this year but like any new vessel was vulnerable to teething troubles, he said

If the ship was out of action once the Wynard tank is removed there was a backup.

"In an absolute disaster scenario we could move it around with tugs like some of the barges in the port that get moved around by tug now."