The National (Papua New Guinea): Napanap fuel shipment contaminated, says Shell: “SHELL has announced that a shipment of jet fuel from the InterOil owned Napanapa oil refinery was contaminated and samples have been sent to Australia for testing.” (ShellNews.net) 24 March 05

SHELL has announced that a shipment of jet fuel from the InterOil owned Napanapa oil refinery was contaminated and samples have been sent to Australia for testing.

But the company said an urgent shipment of jet fuel imported is on track to be available for aircraft to begin flying again at Jacksons Airport today following the expected quality clearance by an Australian laboratory last night.

The fuel supplier made the announcement as the cancellation of flights entered the fifth day, and threaten to disrupt Easter holiday plans for those wanting to travel out of Port Moresby or into the capital city from ports served by Air Niugini, the airline most affected by the jet fuel crisis.

Shell PNG general manager Peter Walsh said in a statement yesterday that Shell had rejected a shipment of jet fuel which was uplifted from InterOil’s Napa Napa refinery to the Shell Idubada Terminal in early March as Shell’s testing shows it did not meet the international aviation fuel specification standards for freeze point. “During Shell routine quality control testing, the fuel failed the freeze point test. “This test defines the cold temperature behaviour of the fuel and is a critical factor in assuring flight safety. “This testing suggested a level of contamination of the fuel and additional testing was conducted in two separate Shell laboratories which confirmed these irregularities. “Test results from two independent laboratories were inconclusive and therefore failed to alleviate Shell’s concerns. “More detailed analytical testing by Shell and production data supplied from the refinery has identified a level of contamination of the fuel which Shell believes is consistent with the observed failure of the freeze point test,” he said. “We understand the significant inconvenience this situation has caused airlines and the traveling public however the safety of our customers and their passengers is our top priority. “We have taken these steps to ensure we are confident that the fuel we supply meets international aviation standards, Shell’s strict fuel quality requirements and is fit for purpose.” He said InterOil was co-operating with Shell to return the off-specification fuel to the refinery. He added that Shell was also working on a comprehensive supply plan to refuel regional airfields which are at critically low stock levels. This includes investigating overseas and local supply options.

Transport and Civil Aviation Minister Don Polye said yesterday his department was working with the relevant authorities to ensure supply was restored and flight situation returned to normal as soon as possible.

Meanwhile, PACNEWS reported that a Solomon Islands delegation to the World Exposition in Aichi, Japan delayed its departure because of the cancellation of flights from Papua New Guinea caused by the jet fuel shortage. Air Niugini cancelled its flight to Honiara because of the problem.

The Solomon Islands four member delegation was led by its Trade and Commerce Minister, Walton Naezon. The group was looking for ways to get into Australia to travel to Japan in time for the opening of the World Exposition today.

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