New tug arrives in Cook Inlet.(OIL & GAS)

Cook Inlet Regional Citizens Advisory Council said Tesoro Alaska will bring a new tractor tug into service to assist oil tankers at the KPL dock in Nikiski.

Cook Inlet RCAC has discussed the need for a tug vessel extensively with industry representatives, and a tanker grounding near the Nikiski facility last year underscored the prevention gap.

"Citizens have wanted this kind of protection for a long time and we've been persistent in bringing about this change," said Cook Inlet RCAC Executive Director Michael Munger. "Tugs play a role everywhere that oil tankers port in the U.S. and it's time Cook Inlet saw similar safeguards, especially during winter months when ice becomes such a hazard. We appreciate Tesoro's decision to implement this navigational safeguard that goes above and beyond regulatory compliance."

The 5,500-horsepower, 120-foot "Protector Class" tug is designed for ship assist, docking and escort, according to Crowley Maritime. It is part of its next generation of tractors that operators can quickly switch between modes.

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