Arctic O&G Directory Fall 2020: North to Alaska, South by Barge: Voyage of a Reefer Tech
Petroleum News
As reported by Lynden News June 29, every fishing season, Alaska Marine Lines refrigeration mechanics leave Seattle and make the journey north to keep Lynden’s refrigerated containers in top shape. The techs fly to Alaska and then accompany the loaded reefers on the southbound barges. These ride-along-with-the-reefer trips have been taking place for years, but the voyage of the reefer technician has not been well known. Until now.
Mechanic Greg Restad was so impressed with his off-site assignment that he decided to document his experience. His notes provide a unique look behind the scenes of this annual effort to protect customers’ fish and other refrigerated freight and maintain Lynden’s equipment. It should be noted that Restad has 30 years of experience working on refrigerated equipment including working for Les Candee and Art Burg at Foss Maritime in the early 1980s.
According to Assistant Maintenance and Repair Manager Steve Tafoya, mechanics check around 3,000 reefers each year during the north-to-south trips. Most reefers last around 20 years, but with excellent care, they can last longer.
“We run a pre-trip inspection anytime a reefer enters the yard so we keep close tabs on all equipment and any emerging problems,” Tafoya says. “It could be power, a leak, burnout of the evaporator motor or something else. The most common issue with reefers is a lack of communication with the tug. Our mechanics also check and service generator sets, make sure gear vans are stocked and that the GRASP reefer monitoring system, all plugs and time share panels are working,” Tafoya explains. Everything is documented and becomes part of the service record.
For more information visit www.lynden.com.
|