Articles & In The News

Fool-proof fueling: Crew call fuel ships convenient, dependable, cheaper

Continued...
 
Next stop was the Best Western docks - or what's left of them during the renovation period - off 17th Street Causeway to fuel the Nekton Pilot, a 78-foot SWATH (Small Waterplane Area Twin Hull) vessel that specializes in dive excursions to the Bahamas. Nekton also offers trips to Belize, Mona Island off Puerto Rico, the Cayman Islands and Silver Bank to dive with the whales, among other cool destinations.
 
Nekton Pilot was moored on the outside at Best Western, so we pulled up on the inside of the dock and spudded down. Since the fuel inlet is up about 15 feet on the top deck of Nekton, a line was dropped and the hose tied to it and hoisted up by engineer Brad, who oversaw the fueling. Capt. Rick stayed on the fuel ship, manning pumps and valves in case a quick shutoff was necessary. Peterson fuel ships typically operate with one captain, who handles all aspects of vessel operation and fueling.
 
When asked why his vessel uses Peterson's, Brad mentioned the convenience but more importantly that the service is always on time, if not early. And that's important on a charter schedule, he said.
 
Remember that fuel ships or other fueling services are not allowed in all marinas, especially those that sell their own fuel. For yachts docked in one of those marinas, Peterson's can arrange to meet a vessel somewhere along the ICW where the fuel ship is already "spudded down" and waiting.
 
Peterson's fuel ships operate in the rain and other adverse weather. When a hurricane is forecast, the company will position one ship up river and one down river to ensure continued service, regardless of bridge closings.
 
After pumping 2,000 gallons into several tanks on Nekton, the hose was lowered and secured in the container before departing. The container is midships and is a fully contained metal box where all pumps, valves and connections are located. Any accidental spill, leak or overflow of fuel will be contained within, preventing fuel from getting into the water.
 
All Peterson fuel ships carry containment booms for spills and other recovery gear, since they also carry lube oils and other petrochemicals.
 
The cruise back up the New River was eventful for me, as we had to buck a ripping outflow and several cruise boats and recreational vessels running down current. But Capt. Rick was cool, calm and in control, masterfully working the wheel, thruster, throttle and shifter like he had four arms, negotiating the bends and bridge openings like a seasoned professional.
 
Back at the dock, I had a chance to speak with Robert Lambert in detail, as he explained that Ted Peterson, who founded the company, is still involved a bit with the business along with Lambert and several other partners. The company has plans to expand with a larger and newer fleet and additional locations over the next one to two years.
 
Asked pointedly how he can run such an operation while charging, on average, 50 cents to $1 less per gallon than dockside pumps, he said it's all in the volume sold.
 
So with that, convenience and dependability, make sure you don't let the barge go by, Norman.
 
Contact Capt. Tom Serio through editorial@the-triton.com . For more information about Peterson Fuel Delivery, visit www.petersonfuel.com or call 954-764-3835.