The following is
the text of a press release issued by the U.S. Coast Guard:
(04 January 2012)
(DUTCH
HARBOR, Alaska) -- Coast Guard inspectors completed a port state control exam on
the double-hulled ice-classed Russian tanker Renda today in Dutch
Harbor.
"The
tanker vessel Renda met all applicable federal laws and regulations and can
operate in U.S. waters following the successful completion of a required Coast
Guard port state control examination," said Rear Adm. Thomas Ostebo, commander
District 17. "Our daily discussions will continue with our federal, state,
local, tribal partners, and the marine industry to ensure the highest standards
of safety and compliance are in place to mitigate risks to the people of Nome,
the crews of the vessels, and the environment."
The
Renda will be escorted by the Coast Guard Cutter Healy and is expected to arrive
in Nome on Jan. 8, 2012 if on scene weather conditions permit safe
passage.
The
Healy will lead the Renda through 300 miles of ice to within a half mile of the
harbor entrance. "Upon arrival, the Renda will transit the remaining distance to
stable ice close to the harbor entrance to transfer fuel via hose under approved
procedures," said Capt. Craig Lloyd, District 17 chief of response who is
coordinating the mission. "University of Alaska personnel are in Nome to assist
in determining the thickness of the ice outside the harbor entrance. Due to a
large ridge of ice at the harbor entrance, the Renda is unable to enter the
actual harbor."
The
Secretary of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security approved a Jones Act
Waiver Dec. 30, 2011 to Vitus Marine authorizing the foreign-flagged tanker to
deliver gasoline from Dutch Harbor to Nome. Renda arrived in Dutch Harbor laden
with diesel fuel that was on loaded in Asia. The Jones Act waiver was required
since Renda could not load the gasoline cargo in Asia due to weather and
scheduling constraints. The vessel is scheduled to take on additional cargo of
gasoline in Dutch Harbor today.
The
Healy's participation was contingent upon the following items: the Renda passed
the port state control exam, there were no inordinate delays, the fuel transfer
plans met federal and state requirements and on scene weather conditions permit
safe passage.
Sitnasuak Native Corporation of Nome signed a contract
with Vitus Marine LLC to deliver 1.3 million gallons of petroleum products to
Nome via Renda around the second week of January. If successful, this will mark
the first time that petroleum products have been delivered by sea to a Western
Alaskan community through ice covered waters.
"This has
been and continues to be a highly orchestrated effort between all stakeholders
to ensure mission success" said Ostebo. "As we have done for more than 220
years, the Coast Guard is dedicated to ensuring the safe and secure transfer of
maritime commerce. The Healy, our nation's only operating polar ice breaker, and
its crew are committed to upholding our long history of service to the residents
of Alaska."
The
Healy is named after Capt. Mike Healy, an 19th century Coast Guard hero. As the
commanding officer of numerous Coast Guard cutters, "Hell Roaring Mike",
enforced federal law, provided search and rescue, and provided humanitarian
assistance along Alaska's 20,000 mile coastline in the late 1800s. The cutter is
420-feet long and has extensive scientific capabilities. Homeported in Seattle,
the cutter has a permanent crew of 80 and was originally scheduled to return
home in mid December. The primary mission is scientific support but it is
capable of other Coast Guard and defense operations such as search and rescue,
domestic ice breaking, environmental protection and the enforcement of laws and
treaties in the Polar Regions.
