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May 03, 2023

Port crane damages Mobil fuel pier in Guam

Long lines and gas shortages are occurring at the limited number of gas stations

Long lines and gas shortages are occurring at the limited number of gas stations that have opened in the aftermath of Typhoon Mawar. Cars waiting for the opportunity to fuel are seen at the Shell station in Chalan Pago, Friday.

HAGÅTÑA (The Guam Daily Post) — Damage incurred by one of the fuel supply piers at the Port of Guam during Typhoon Mawar won't cut off the supply of petroleum to the island, and there are adequate fuel stores to keep Guam supplied, according to Rory Respicio, Port Authority of Guam general manager.

"What you’re seeing, (the) long lines at the gas stations … (are) because they have to assess whether or not those stations can remain up and running," Respicio said.

76/Circle K Guam announced around noon Friday that all open gas stations were out of fuel.

Respicio said that any shortage at stations was caused by the slow distribution of fuel around the island, not a scarcity at the Port.

"The governor has asked the Guam Police Department to coordinate with fuel companies to escort fuel tankers around the island from the Port" he said, which would also allow for nighttime fuel deliveries.

Some time during the storm, a floating crane operated by the Guam Shipyard struck Golf Pier, which is used by Mobil Oil Guam to deliver fuel.

"Mobil reported to me that there's some visible damage such as the piping and also to the berthing area. We’re making those assessments right now," he said, adding that it was a concern any time a fuel pier was damaged.

Redundancies installed by Mobil should allow them to continue accessing petroleum products through the nearby F1 Pier, according to Respicio.

As for the supply of cargo and goods to the island, Port operations will hopefully be at 100% by Monday, Respicio said. The terminal yard was about 50% clear as of Friday afternoon, and a dive team will inspect the wharves Saturday morning to ensure they are structurally sound underneath.

According to a release from the Joint Information Center, the Port sustained visible damage to Piers F3, F4, F5 and F6, particularly the Bull Rail. Portions of the Fender System also are damaged or broken off. Mawar also caused damage to the Hågat and Hagåtña marinas.

IN a recent update on social media, the Guam Daily Post Facebook page has reported that a si…

"Mobil reported to me that there's some visible damage such as the piping and also to the berthing area. We’re making those assessments right now," he said, adding that it was a concern any time a fuel pier was damaged.

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