Escort/response vessels respond in inbound tanker with engine problems

Petroleum News Alaska Staff

Alyeska Pipeline Service Co. said June 8 that three escort/response vessels responded after the inbound tanker Denali reduced speed when it experienced vibrations in the main engine.

Alyeska said the Freedom Service, an Alyeska response vessel stationed in northern Prince William Sound, was alongside the tanker within 10 minutes after the tanker captain reduced engine speed and radioed the response vessel.

Nanuq and Tan’erliq, two tractor tugs, were dispatched from Port Valdez.

The Denali proceeded to the marine terminal under its own power, but the tanker escort tugs were tethered to the tanker as an additional safety measure during the trip to the berth.

Alyeska said the tanker will remain in port while the vessel engines are inspected and repairs are made, if needed. The vessel will not be loaded until repairs are completed. Denali is operated by the Alaska Tanker Co. and is chartered to BP Oil Shipping Co.