Murkowski, Begich introduce escort bill

U.S. Sens. Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska, and Mark Begich, D-Alaska, introduced legislation May 14 that would require all tankers transporting oil in Alaska’s Prince William Sound to be escorted by at least two towing vessels, as has been the practice for the past 20 years.

In a statement the two said that the current tanker safety system, authorized in the Oil Spill Pollution Act of 1990, applies only to single-hulled tankers, which are being phased out, with the last single-hulled tanker in the Prince William fleet expected to be retired by August 2012.

The legislation would require dual escort vessels for double-hulled tankers.

In a statement prepared for the floor, Murkowski said that while double-hulled tankers are currently escorted by two escort tugs capable of assisting the tanker in the case of emergency — as are single-hulled tankers — the legislation would maintain the existing escort system in place for all tankers.

The senator said that while there have been “a number of marine incidents and near misses since the Exxon Valdez Oil Spill in 1989, over the past 20 years, through the efforts of the U.S. Coast Guard, industry, the State of Alaska and the Prince William Sound Citizens Advisory Council to implement the requirements of OPA 90, there have been no major oil spills.”

In the senators’ joint statement Begich said, “The tractor tugs have proven their usefulness several times when tankers needed assistance. Their continued use is inexpensive insurance to protect the environment of Prince William Sound and maintain the flow of oil.”

U.S. Rep. Don Young, R-Alaska, is working with fellow members of the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure on a House version of the provision.

—Petroleum News