The Observer, September 2004
New double-hull in town
Alaska Tanker Co.’s first new double-hull vessel, the Alaskan Frontier, arrived in Valdez on a foggy day in September and was greeted by an Alyeska escort tug (top). The 941-foot ship will haul North Slope crude for BP. It cost $250 million, according to the company, and can carry up to 1.3 million barrels of oil. Besides the double hull, which reduces the risk and size of oil spills, the Frontier has double propellers, rudders, engine rooms, navigation systems, and communications systems. BP expects to have a total of four of the new vessels in service by 2006. Ralph Torjusen, above, is one of the captains who will command the Frontier. Photos by Stan Jones, citizens’ council.