EASTER ISLAND & TUAMOTU ISLANDS

[mdgale]

Hi

I have a 52' motor cruiser (Seahorse 52) and have recently crossed the Indian Ocean - presently doing broad planning for the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. Being a motor cruiser, diesel fuel availability is a major consideration in passage planning - accordingly I would be most grateful if any forum members could advise as to the availability (and pricing) of diesel at Easter Island and the Tuamotu Island Group.

Many thanks

[MarkJ]

Surely you must be able to buy diesel in Easter Island but how would you load it?

[NoTies]

Can get into Hanga Piko, Easter island with a local knowledge. Can't remember if there is a fuel bowser or it has to be trucked.

[mdgale]

Many thanks MarkJ and NoTies - advice appreciated.
Also now received advice from Jaun at onshore filling station - diesel is available and arrangements will need to be made with agent & port captain for loading:
"Good day Michael,

Ack reception of your message and in reference to your project to visit us for
bunkering, the actual Diesel Oil price is US$ 1,001.00 per m3, or US$ 264,46
per USG. This cost includes transfers from the local Petroleum Terminal to
Hanga Piko dock.

To proceed with the bunkering, should you count with the help of a local Port
Agent and the local Port Captain authorizations

I hope to hear from you again andGreetings"

[Steadman Uhlich]

Originally Posted by mdgale

Many thanks MarkJ and NoTies - advice appreciated.
Also now received advice from Jaun at onshore filling station - diesel is available and arrangements will need to be made with agent & port captain for loading:
"Good day Michael,

Ack reception of your message and in reference to your project to visit us for
bunkering, the actual Diesel Oil price is US$ 1,001.00 per m3, or US$ 264,46
per USG. This cost includes transfers from the local Petroleum Terminal to
Hanga Piko dock.

To proceed with the bunkering, should you count with the help of a local Port
Agent and the local Port Captain authorizations

I hope to hear from you again andGreetings"

I am not familiar with bunker fuel rates or pricing. I assumed it was sold by ton for ships. In this message I take it the use of "bunkering" simply means "fueling" or adding fuel to your boat.

Is that $264.46 USD per US Gallon?

Am I reading that correctly?

And what does the "US$ 1,001.00 per m3," m3 represent?

[mdgale]

Hi Steady Hand - the price for a cubic meter equates to about US$1 per litre which seems expensive but reasonable. I think the US$264 per gal is an incorrect calculation (there are 0.264 US gallons to a litre). If my logic is correct the price per gal is more likely US$3.78.

[Emerald Sea]

Considering you'd be arriving into French Polynesia from Easter Island, then the Gambier Islands would likely be your first port of entry. You can obtain duty free gazoil (diesel) in the Gambiers, Marquesas and also most of the other populated atolls. You would have a choice to buy direct from the supply vessel's (if available) that service these communities or from the respective fuel stations. With a duty free fuel certificate, todays price is US$0.78/liter (I'll let you do the conversion math). The duty free fuel certificate is available direct from Customs in Papeete (free of charge) or you need to arrange via an agent if required in Gambiers, Marquesas. Noonsite can provide agent details. Availability does not seem to be an issue. Some locales may require that you purchase 200L as a minimum ie a drum full.

[mdgale]

Hi Steve - many thanks for that - much appreciated!

[IslandHopper]

Originally Posted by Steady Hand

And what does the "US$ 1,001.00 per m3," m3 represent?

That would be the price per cubic meter for large ships, most large ship stability booklets have their bunker/cargo fuel tank volumes measured in cubic meters (m3)

[Steadman Uhlich]

Originally Posted by IslandHopper

That would be the price per cubic meter for large ships, most large ship stability booklets have their bunker/cargo fuel tank volumes measured in cubic meters (m3)

TO ALL: Thanks for the answers to my questions. Now I know one can measure fuel by cubic meters. Something I never faced with small sailboats.

I learn something new about boats every day, and there is no end to the things one can learn about sailing, ships, or the sea. That's one of the things I like about the field, a constant learning challenge.

[s57ra]

Originally Posted by Emerald Sea

Considering you'd be arriving into French Polynesia from Easter Island, then the Gambier Islands would likely be your first port of entry. You can obtain duty free gazoil (diesel) in the Gambiers, Marquesas and also most of the other populated atolls......

I did Pacific last april/may, due to weak winds we had to motor a lot and we also ran out of diesel. Upon arrival on Gambiere we spent two days searching for diesel, we only have found about 100litres and it was very expensive, i remember it was more then 2,5 US$ /litre.

[Livia]

You will probably have better luck refueling in the Marquesas as a first check in point for French Poly although it would be a bummer to miss the Gambiers.