Project - Diesel Fuel supply facility

Objective: To replace the current practise of storing fuel tanks on trailers with a large tank (35,000 ltrs) located behind the existing Fisherman stores at Victoria harbour and a distribution kiosk on the quay with 24hour access for all Registered users.

From the beginning DHT was aware of problems with fuel oil being stored on the south quay.
It is believed this started with fuel tanks on trailers being left on the quayside and developed into domestic fuel storage tanks being used to store larger amounts of fuel oil. DHT has been looking at alternatives to better serve the needs of the harbour users and to protect the environment.

A scheme was considered consisting of a large tank (35,000 ltrs) located behind the existing Fisherman stores at Victoria harbour and distribution kiosk on the quay with 24hour access for all Registered users. Planning consent was obtained at some cost to DHT on 2dn June 2003 and is valid for 5 years. Funding was sought and obtained. However the funding obtained was short of the 100% required. The DHT deciding against underwriting a loan and this scheme is now part of the business plan.

Latest news / progress made

March 2007 Dunbar Harbour Trust is pleased to confirm that the trial period for the Fuel Store is now complete with all users reporting positive feedback. The Fuel Store is now fully operational and fuel will be available for sale to visitors as well as Dunbar based commercial Fisherman. Any visitors wishing to purchase fuel from the store should contact the Harbour Master – Bob Clunes on 07958 754 858.

Dunbar Harbour Trust would like to thank everyone involved with the installation, design and trial period of The Fuel Store. Dunbar Harbour Trust is commited to the continuing improvement of Fuel Store facilities and the installation of the larger 35,000 litre tank which is part of the business plan.

February 2007 In the first instance one boat owner, the skipper of Spitfire, has agreed to be part of a pilot scheme to ensure the smooth running of the system before it is made available to all boat users.

Authorised users will have 24 hour access to the automatic fuel pump contained within the the old RNLI fuel shed. Operation of the pump will be allowed through an individually coded, electronic key fob and the pump's computer will provide details of the user and the quantity of fuel taken to allow an invoice to be presented. A standard "garage" type fuel nozzle on a long hose, mounted on an electrically driven drum, will allow fuel to be delivered straight into a boat's fuel tank. The 9000 litre tank is sufficient for one week's average demand from the fishing community and it's contents are electronically monitored to ensure it is re-bunkered in good time. Recreational & visiting craft will also be allowed to re-fuel as required. The new facility will greatly reduce the present safety & environmental risks involved in re-fuelling craft within the harbour and the Trust hopes that all boat users will co-operate in using the system.

26 September 2006 Conversion is complete and commissioning is in progress due to be completed in October 2006.

June 2006 An alternative scheme using the RNLI fuel store purchased by DHT is now considered in the interim. To this end quotes have been obtained and funding has been obtained from the Scottish Executive Environment and Rural Affairs Department (SEERAD). The proposal is to install an automatic pump controller in the RNLI fuel store with an electric hose reel, all to be contained within the existing building thereby avoiding the need for further planning consent. It was hoped the old RNLI hose reel would be serviceable however we received advice to the contrary. The electric hose reel was thought better value and would encourage better use of the equipment.
The addition of a tank contents gauge including a high level alarm was felt necessary to ease use the tank and protect against overfilling. The tank will also require to be cleaned out and the contents disposed of. Also required is maintenance and breakdown cover.