Hurricane Erin prompts marine warnings, threatens bunkering delays

Hurricane Erin is driving rip currents and high tides along the US East Coast, potentially delaying bunkering in New York and nearby ports.

IMAGE: New York Harbor. Getty Images

Hurricane Erin, brewing a few miles offshore, is threatening to disrupt marine activity along the US East Coast, with New York facing dangerous rip currents, heavy showers, and warnings that could delay bunkering operations.

The US National Weather Service (NWS) has issued a small craft advisory for New York as small boats are under threat from strong winds and rough seas.

Beaches in New York and New Jersey have been closed, additionally.

Mariners at the port are expected to face easterly winds of 15–20 knots with high wind gusts up to 25 knots, seas of 2–3 feet, and visibility reduced to 1–3 nautical miles from Thursday evening.

Bunker suppliers in New York report stable bunker fuel availability, but worsening conditions are likely to delay deliveries and extend lead times.

A storm surge warning, tropical storm warning, and tropical storm watch are in effect along the US East Coast, with the greatest impact expected at the bunkering spot of Norfolk, a source told ENGINE.

Further north, Point Judith Pilot Station, located on the coast of Rhode Island, has been closed from Thursday until midnight Friday due to Erin's impacts.

Pilots will review conditions at 8 am local time on Friday to decide whether the planned reopening needs to be amended.

By Gautamee Hazarika

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