Friday, August 15, 2008

Imperium Loses Contract, Shuts Hawaii Office

Seattle-based biodiesel producer Imperium Renewables is facing further troubles, according to two sepearate reports this week. According to reports, Imperium Renewables has lost a key contract to supply biodiesel to Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines, and has also closed an office in Honolulu and laid off staffers. According to a report in the Seattle PI, Royal Caribbean confirmed the termination of the deal, which also included the sale of the cruise line's stake in Imperium's Grays Harbor facility. In a separate report, the Pacific Business News reports that Imperium has closed its Honolulu office and laid off its two local staffers; the firm's efforts there have been under a cloud since Imperium withdrew its IPO in January.