Nome, Alaska –   January 26, 2012 –    Vitus Marine, LLC completed an unprecedented winter fuel delivery of 1.3 million gallons to Bonanza Fuel in Nome, Alaska, relieving the community of the extra cost of flying fuel in from hundreds of miles away.

Bonanza Fuel, a subsidiary of Sitnasuak Native Corporation, did not receive its final 1.6-million gallon fuel order during the normal 2011 marine operating season.  With no U.S. registered, ice capable tank ships available to make a delivery in winter, Bonanza Fuel considered flying fuel into the community, a strategy that would substantially increase the price per gallon to Nome customers.

Vitus Marine, LLC, provided a solution by chartering the RENDA, a Russian flagged ice-classed tank ship, to load fuel in Korea for delivery to Nome.  The US Coast Guard extended the Alaska tour of their icebreaker, the Cutter HEALY, to provide critical ice-breaking escort.  The two ships navigated together through 300 miles of ice to reach the temporary berth a half mile off the Nome harbor.

Vitus Marine CEO Mark Smith said, “Vitus strives to bring creative solutions to our customers, and completing this fuel delivery to Nome offers an excellent example of how real teamwork can yield great results.  It also demonstrates how coordination between international suppliers, vessel owners, and bankers can be part of a local Alaskan solution.  Vitus is especially thankful for essential cooperation from the United States Coast Guard, Department of Homeland Security, Senators Begich and Murkowski, Congressman Young, Governor Parnell, Lt Governor Treadwell, and Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation.

Vitus also wishes to thank the following participants for their supporting efforts: