STAFF PARTICIPATES IN INDUSTRY APPRECIATION DAYS

On Saturday, September 25th, Cook Inlet RCAC staff participated in Industry Appreciation Days. This is an annual event in Kenai that honors the contributions of the individuals and organizations of the three biggest industries: oil and gas, commercial fishing and tourism, by providing free food, music, drawings and entertainment for the entire family.

Staff has participated in this event since its inception 15 years ago. The Cook Inlet RCAC booth drew a lot of people wanting to learn more about who and what the RCAC is, along with curiosity about the Council's diorama. The diorama is a 3-dimensional mini-section of Cook Inlet -- showing several platforms, facilities, transportation, and special interests such as fishing, both recreational and commercial.

Maritta Newgren, CIRCAC Accounting and Grants Manager demonstrates vessel movements through the Cook Inlet using the diorama

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COUNCIL SUPPORTS DECISION TO KEEP NEW TRACTOR TUG AT OIL FACILITY DOCKS

Cook Inlet Regional Citizens Advisory Council announced that Tesoro Alaska is working with Crowley Marine Services to tailor a new tractor tug to meet Cook Inlet conditions and will keep the vessel in the region year round.

Tesoro had brought a tug to Cook Inlet earlier last winter to assist oil tankers at the KPL dock in Nikiski and initially considered sending it away after the sea ice receded. The need for a permanent tug vessel was discussed extensively with CIRCAC and industry representatives. The Council had first identified the need for a tug in 1992. Numerous incidents over the past decade reinforced the Council’s position and a tanker grounding last year that threatened a massive oil spill demonstrated the level of risk citizens face without tugs.

"Tesoro isn't the only company that will benefit from having a tug in the area and they should be commended for implementing this navigational safeguard that is above and beyond regulatory compliance," said CIRCAC Executive Director Mike Munger. "Citizens have wanted this kind of protection for a long time and we've been diligent bringing about this change for them. Tugs play a role everywhere that oil tankers port in the U.S. and it's time Cook Inlet saw similar safeguards."

The new tug, the Vigilant, is a 6700 horsepower tug designed for ship assist, docking, and escort. The Vigilant utilizes a Z-Drive propulsion system that gives the vessel increased maneuverability. The propulsion is different from conventional tugs because it allows for use of most of the tug’s power in any direction. Tesoro has also asked for additional hull strengthening and other modifications to deal with Cook Inlet's severe ice conditions.

CIRCAC passed a resoluion in 2006 when ice blanketed the Upper Inlet calling for adequately equipped tug vessels and requested shippers and producers to agree on a funding formula to provide for navigational safeguards.

CIRCAC hosted a "Navigational Safety Forum" last February in Anchorage to delve into issues affecting maritime safety in the Inlet. Proceedings from that forum and other related documents are available for download below.

Download the Cook Inlet Navigational Safety Forum Proceedings (PDF 1.5 MB)

Download the Cook Inlet Vessel Trafic Study (PDF 3.7 MB)

Download the Cook Inlet Mooring Study (PDF 1.4 MB)

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