Oil Tanker Runs Aground in Alaska

[Erik Wood]

An oil tanker refueling in Alaska broke free of it's mooring and grounded. There was some pollution but at this point it is unclear whether it is the result of the tanker grounding or discharge from the broken fuel line.

Info is still coming in.....

 

[Michael H. Standart]

Here's the link: http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/11146947/

According to the story, an icefloe broke away and knocked the ship from her moorings. Fortunately, she appears to be grounded on silt as opposed to rocks.

 

[Wayne Keen]

I wonder how long it takes for a ship of that type to get under way. Sitting moored at the terminal, are they in a "shut down" configuration?

Wayne

 

[Michael H. Standart]

It depends on the propulsion plant. If what you're dealing with is a steam powered vessel, it can take a few hours but with a ship powered by desiel engines, about all they have to do is get the engines going, have the sea and anchor detail standing by and tugs available and they can be on their way in less then half an hour.

 

[Jack Devine]

The owner's website describes this as a single-screw diesel. I wonder if there's any benefit to warming the engine prior to getting under way. They are in Alaska in the dead of winter, after all.

 

[Erik Wood]

A ship of this type takes about an hour to get ready for sea. Assuming that nothing was ready, all of the navigation equipment would have to been turned on and set. If the ship was cold and the only thing running where generators you are talking around 45 minutes to get the engine and fuel warm and ready.

Then unmooring and navigating your way out would take a little longer.

On the lakes you can a steam plant up and running (assuming you have the fuel warm and the turbine has been in sloro) in about an hour usually a little longer. If the ship has been dead as far as the steam plant goes it usually takes a few hours.