Maritime Extensions of Trans-Alaska Pipeline

Recently intensified interest in extracting oil from the North Slope of Alaska has brought into sharp focus possible environmental threats. Coincidental with plans to transport 2,000,000 barrels of oil per day by pipeline south to the port of Valdez has been a new national policy to examine potential environmental impacts. Such assessment must take into account the marine segment of oil transportation and distribution from Valdez by tankers of perhaps 250,000 tons displacement. Because of massive oils spills, and possible resulting harm to wildlife, fishing, and recreational resources, emphasis has been placed on prevention by increased Coast Guard authority, marine traffic control, radar surveillance, better inter-ship communication, stiffer ship design requirement of maneuverability, compartmentalization and double bottoms and skins, and increased monitoring of port operations.