The Next Stage in the Evolution of Marine Refueling
For marina operators, fuel sales are often a key driver of overall revenue. Now a new approach makes it possible for marinas to provide fueling services without the cost and operational burden.
Instead of managing the entire fueling system and its associated legal and compliance obligations on the dock, the operation is handled by a purpose-built vessel. Operated by a single licensed captain, this specially designed boat delivers fuel directly to customers while their vessels are moored or on a lift.
The foundation of the dockside delivery service is the Fuelbote vessel, which is purpose-built for marine fuel transfer and configured around the safety rules that apply to fuel storage and dispensing on the water. Dockside fueling is subject to established fire codes, including National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) standards 30 and 30A, which outline how flammable and combustible liquids are handled in marine settings.
Fuelbote vessels are built on a stabilized barge platform powered by an outboard motor, with thrusters used for positioning. The standard model is 25 feet in length with an 8½-foot beam and can carry approximately 600 gallons of fuel. The barge is built of 303 stainless steel, has a 75-foot, powered auto-retract hose reel, and unique 13-foot or longer retractable stabilizers to hold the vessel in position during service.
Like traditional marina fuel facilities, Fuelbote must incorporate spill-prevention safeguards, secondary containment systems, and clearly defined operating procedures to prevent fuel from entering the water.
The other major component of the service is the proprietary, copyrighted software application provided with the vessel and licensed for use, which supports and manages the entire operation.
Scheduling, routing, and customer requests are coordinated through the platform that integrates registration, dispatch, and billing within a single system. Transactions are processed electronically, while operators monitor fueling activity and service requirements through a centralized dashboard.
Fuelbote is updating the software using AI and a helpful avatar to assist boat owners through signing up, and to help captains develop an efficient operation of the route based on geolocation of each boat.
For more information: call John Neuens at 414-630-7223; email john@fuelbote.com; or visit www.fuelbote.com.