Construction began last month on the fourth double-hull oil tanker being built for BP Oil Shipping Company, USA at the National Steel and Shipbuilding Company in San Diego. Like its three sister ships, the newest vessel when completed will be operated by SIU-contracted Alaska Tanker Co. (ATC).The first ship in the group—the Alaskan Frontier—was christened at the shipyard in May and was delivered in August. A naming ceremony for the second vessel, which was floated out in July, is slated for early next month. Delivery dates for that ship and the other two range from 2005-2006.
NASSCO describes the four double-hull vessels as among the most environmentally friendly ships ever built, incorporating the latest in tanker design and construction. The design of the four 1.3-million-barrel-capacity tankers in the Alaska Class is intended to allow maximum flexibility for oil deliveries to West Coast ports, including BP refineries in Los Angeles and Cherry Point, Wash.
Each of the vessels is 941 feet long and has a beam of 164 feet.
According to the shipyard, the vessels employ the latest in international marine technologies, including twin-screw, medium-speed, diesel-electric propulsion that can achieve a speed of more than 15 knots. The ships come fitted with the most modern machinery and cargo control systems and an integrated navigation system.
Earlier this year, the SIU-crewed ATC fleet quietly reached another safety milestone: six million man hours without a lost time injury. The company also earned accolades in the form of a “Legacy Award” issued by the Pacific States/British Columbia Oil Spill Task Force. The award is given for oil spill prevention, preparedness and response.
In announcing the award, the task force noted, “ATC has conclusively demonstrated that preventing spills and injuries is not only the right thing to do, but is cost effective as well. ATC has saved millions of dollars in injury claims, spill response costs, and insurance premiums. During 2002 and 2003, ATC transported 13 billion gallons of crude oil with just 2.2 total gallons being spilled and completed more than five million man hours without a lost time injury. ATC firmly believes that openly reporting near misses and losses of containment—and using this information as the basis for improvement—is a key factor in instilling the awareness and behaviors that prevent pollution….
“ATC has worked with the Seafarers International Union to establish a dedicated employment pool of individuals who meet specific medical, fitness, training, and performance requirements. ATC has also made a point of hiring Alaskans and maintaining an office in Valdez, thus underscoring its commitment to the Alaskan community. ATC has also partnered with the Prince William Sound Regional Citizens’ Advisory Council and with the Pacific States/BC Oil Spill Task Force on spill prevention projects such as the Ice Detection Radar System, efforts to promote voluntary spill prevention efforts industry-wide, and efforts to plan for requests for Places of Refuge by ships in distress.”
Last year, seven Seafarers-crewed ATC ships received vessel safety awards at an annual industry gathering in New Orleans. Also last year, the Alaska state legislature formally congratulated the company for its outstanding safety and environmental record. ATC then earned a major Washington State award for excellence in marine safety and environmental stewardship.
Printer Friendly Page