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Cherry Point News

23 Jan 2023

US Limits Vessel Calls at BP Cherry Point Marine Terminal

Aerial view of BP Cherry Point dock (Photo: NOAA)

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers will modify the Department of the Army permit for the BP Cherry Point Marine Terminal’s North Wing dock to ensure complies with the Magnuson Amendment’s restrictions regarding the handling of crude oil at Puget Sound facilities, and Endangered Species Act and other applicable legal requirements through additional permit conditions. This comes from the Record of Decision issued Monday, following completion of a Final Environmental Impact Statement…

12 Aug 2022

BP Cherry Point Terminal Final Environmental Impact Statement Released

Aerial View of BP Cherry Point Dock (Photo, NOAA, 2013)

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has released the Final Environmental Impact Statement for the North Wing of the BP Cherry Point Marine Terminal, which is located near Ferndale, Wash. The Notice of Availability was published in the Federal Register by the Environmental Protection Agency today.The Final EIS examines the incremental environmental effects related to operation of the North Wing of the BP Cherry Point Marine Terminal, the risk of potential accidents and oil spills within a portion of Puget Sound…

13 Jul 2017

BP Sends US Diesel to Australia

Second such cargo in a year - traders; cargo loads from Cherry Point, heading to Botany Bay. Oil major BP Plc is shipping diesel from the United States to Australia in an unusual shipping flow, several industry sources told Reuters on Thursday. The Jupiter Express carrying about 35,000 tonnes of diesel loaded from BP's Cherry Point, Washington refinery on June 29 and is currently headed to Botany Bay, New South Wales in Australia, shipping data on Thomson Reuters Eikon showed. BP declined to comment. Australia imports most of its diesel requirements from Singapore, South Korea and Japan but several refineries undergoing maintenance and prompt demand from India has tightened supply of the fuel in Asia, traders said.

12 Jun 2017

Search Called off for Missing US Navy Sailor

Sailors aboard the guided-missile destroyer USS Mason (DDG 87) keep lookout while searching for a sailor missing overboard from the cruiser USS Normandy (CG 60). (U.S. Navy photo by Jef Van Hoof)

The search for a U.S. Navy sailor missing from guided-missile cruiser USS Normandy (CG 60) has been called off after three days of exhaustive searching. U.S. Navy and U.S. Coast Guard assets ended their search efforts just after sunset June 9 for Fire Controlman 2nd Class Christopher W. Clavin, who went overboard June 6 at about 3 p.m. while Normandy was conducting training 80 miles off the coast of Cherry Point, N.C. Personnel observed Petty Officer Clavin fall into the water…

10 Nov 2016

Latest Arleigh-Burke Class Destroyer Named

In a ceremony Nov. 9, at Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, Secretary of the Navy Ray Mabus announced that the Arleigh Burke-class destroyer, DDG 121, will be named Frank E. Petersen Jr., in honor of the Marine Corps lieutenant general who was the first African-American Marine Corps aviator and the first African-American Marine Corps general officer. In 1950, two years after President Harry S. Truman desegregated the armed forces, Petersen enlisted in the Navy. In 1952, Petersen was commissioned as a second lieutenant in the Marine Corps. He would go on to fly 350 combat missions during the Korean and Vietnam Wars. He also went on to become the first African-American in the Marine Corps to command a fighter squadron, an air group and a major base.

19 Jan 2015

USCG Rescues Two Near Beaufort

U.S. Coast Guard and Marine Corps helicopter crews rescued two people and a dog Sunday from a grounded sailboat near Beaufort. Watchstanders at Coast Guard Sector North Carolina in Wilmington received a call at approximately 11:50 a.m. from the operator of the 22-foot sailboat Serendipity who stated the boat was grounded and being taken over by waves near the number 15 buoy in Beaufort Inlet. Sector North Carolina personnel issued an urgent marine information broadcast and launched an MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter crew from Air Station Elizabeth City to the scene. A Marine Corps HH-46 Sea Knight helicopter crew from Air Station Cherry Point arrived on scene first and hoisted a man with a heart condition from the grounded vessel. The crew placed him in the care of awaiting EMS at Fort Macon.

22 Oct 2013

Likely Distress Hoax Call: Coastguard Seek Information

Lines of bearing v. reported location: Map courtesy of USCG

The Coast Guard is investigating a possible hoax call after multiple Coast Guard assets and partner agencies responded to a distress call that was made via VHF-FM channel 16, Sunday at approximately 2:45 a.m. near Beaufort, N.C. As part of this investigation, the Coast Guard is seeking the public’s assistance to identify the caller or provide additional information. Coast Guard Sector North Carolina Command Center watchstanders received a mayday call Sunday via VHF- Channel 16.

13 Feb 2012

ASA Member Completes WA Recovery Operation

Salvage of a 485-ton, 140-foot long stainless steel reactor vessel that rolled off a barge.

American Salvage Association member salvages Hydrogen Reactor outside of Seattle. A member of the American Salvage Association (ASA) responded to a call on December 9 to salvage a 485-ton, 140-foot long stainless steel reactor vessel that rolled off a barge, landing into approximately 60 feet of water near Cherry Point, WA. The reactor is an integral piece in the manufacture of low sulfur diesel fuel. The reactor was filled with nitrogen to prevent corrosion during transportation from Korea where it was fabricated.

25 Jan 2012

Owner's Cargo Returned After Rolling Off Barge

Two Heavy Lift Derrick Barges used to raise 485 ton reactor off Cherry Point, WA. A 485 ton, 140 foot long stainless steel reactor vessel rolled off a barge into approximately 60 feet of water off Cherry Point, WA. The reactor was filled with nitrogen to prevent corrosion during transportation, one end rested on the sea floor, with the other end, just breaking the surface. Immediately after the incident, Global Diving & Salvage, Inc. provided an inspection class ROV to inspect the reactor for damage and asses its orientation on bottom.

16 Nov 2010

This Day in U.S. Naval History – November 16

1776 - First salute to an American flag (Grand Union flag) flying from Continental Navy ship Andrew Doria, by Dutch fort at St. Eustatius, West Indies. 1856 - Barrier Forts reduction began at Canton China. 1942 - Navy's first Night Fighter squadron (VMF(N)-531) established at Cherry Point, NC. 1963 - President John F. Kennedy on USS Observation Island witnesses launch of Polaris A-2 missile by USS Andrew Jackson (SSBN-619). 1968 - Operation Tran Hung Dao began in Mekong Delta. 1973 - Launch of Skylab 4 under command of LTC Gerald P. Carr, USMC. The missions lasted 84 days and included 1,214 Earth orbits. Recovery by USS New Orleans (LPH-11). (Source: Navy News Service)

08 Nov 2010

Maiden Voyage of the BRAtt

Photo courtesy Robert Allan Ltd

Early on the morning of October 28th, the BRAtt departed Point Roberts, Washington State bound for Seattle. Captain Ron Burchett and his able crew Alan Burchett and Ben Flodquist started out in 12 to 15 knot easterly winds and a two foot chop. With Boundary Bay abeam, the winds increased to NE 20 – 25, with four foot seas on the forward quarter. The ride was lively for this 28-ft tug, but with the heavy ballasted skeg the motions were very good with just moderate spray and no green water on deck.

23 Nov 2009

NOAA Installs System to Improve Safety & Efficiency

Photo coutesy NOAA

Ship captains and pleasure boaters can now get free real-time information on water and weather conditions for Cherry Point, Wash., from a newly installed NOAA ocean observing system that makes piloting a ship safer and more efficient. The NOAA Physical Oceanographic Real-Time System (PORTS) at Cherry Point provides observations of tides, currents, water and air temperature, barometric pressure and winds. Collected from a variety of sensors in and around the port, the data is available online and by phone: 888-817-7794 (toll-free).

16 Nov 2009

This Day in Naval History – Nov. 17

1776 - First salute to an American flag (Grand Union flag) flying from Continental Navy ship Andrew Doria, by Dutch fort at St. Eustatius, West Indies. 1856 - Barrier Forts reduction began at Canton China. 1942 - Navy's first Night Fighter squadron (VMF(N)-531) established at Cherry Point, NC. 1963 - President John F. Kennedy on USS Observation Island witnesses launch of Polaris A-2 missile by USS Andrew Jackson (SSBN-619). 1968 - Operation Tran Hung Dao began in Mekong Delta. 1973 - Launch of Skylab 4 under command of LTC Gerald P. Carr, USMC. The missions lasted 84 days and included 1,214 Earth orbits. Recovery by USS New Orleans (LPH-11). (Source: Navy News Service)

15 Nov 2009

This Day in Naval History – Nov. 16

1776 - First salute to an American flag (Grand Union flag) flying from Continental Navy ship Andrew Doria, by Dutch fort at St. Eustatius, West Indies. 1856 - Barrier Forts reduction began at Canton China. 1942 - Navy's first Night Fighter squadron (VMF(N)-531) established at Cherry Point, NC. 1963 - President John F. Kennedy on USS Observation Island witnesses launch of Polaris A-2 missile by USS Andrew Jackson (SSBN-619). 1968 - Operation Tran Hung Dao began in Mekong Delta. 1973 - Launch of Skylab 4 under command of LTC Gerald P. Carr, USMC. The missions lasted 84 days and included 1,214 Earth orbits. Recovery by USS New Orleans (LPH-11). (Source: Navy News Service)

01 Oct 2001

BP Orders Fourth Tanker

BP has placed an order for a fourth double-hull oil tanker for use in delivering Alaska North Slope crude oil to refineries on the west coast. BP placed orders for three tankers in September 2000. Construction of the 1.3-million-barrel-capacity tankers will begin in early 2002. National Steel and Shipbuilding Co. (NASSCO) of San Diego is scheduled to deliver the first ship in late 2003 with subsequent ships being delivered in 2004, 2005 and 2006. BP will complete conversion of its Alaska fleet to double hulls in 2006. The four-ship order, with options for two additional tankers, has been matched to BP?s Alaskan production plans for the next decade.

18 Dec 2003

News: NASSCO Floats Out First BP Tanker

National Steel and Shipbuilding Company (NASSCO) recently floated out Hull 484, the first of four Alaska Class, double-hull oil tankers being built for BP Oil Shipping Company, USA. The ship will be finished dockside in preparation for delivery in June 2004. The company also held a keel-laying ceremony for Hull 485, the second double-hull oil tanker being constructed for BP. BP's Site Team Member Steve Huddart welded his initials into the keel to signify the start of construction. The second ship is scheduled to be delivered in November 2004, with subsequent ships to be delivered in 2005 and 2006. The four ships are being constructed sequentially in NASSCO's 1,000-foot graving dock.

24 May 2004

NASSCO, BP Hold Naming Ceremony

Preparing to name the Alaskan Frontier are Richard Vortmann, President of NASSCO, ship's Sponsor Pamela Olver, spouse of Richard Olver, Deputy Group Chief Executive of BP, Richard Olver, Diane Malone, Matron of Honor, spouse of Bob Malone chief executive of BP Shipping, Ltd., and Bob Malone. National Steel and Shipbuilding Company (NASSCO joined BP p.l.c. in naming the Alaskan Frontier, the first of four Alaska-class double-hull oil tankers being built for BP Oil Shipping Company.

14 Jul 2004

NASSCO Holds Keel-Laying Ceremony for BP Tanker

construction on the vessel. National Steel and Shipbuilding Company (NASSCO) held a keel-laying ceremony for Hull 486, the third of four Alaska Class, double-hull oil tankers being constructed for BP Oil Shipping Company, USA. BP's Site Team Member Stan Taylor welded his initials into the keel to signify the start of construction. The first ship, the Alaskan Frontier, is being prepared for sea trials and will be delivered later this year. The second ship is undergoing construction and is scheduled to be delivered in 2005, with the third and fourth ships to be delivered in 2005 and 2006.

15 Jun 2000

Setting a Course For Stability?

To characterize the business of carrying oil aboard tankers of any size or route as stable — would be foolhardy at best. But as curious as the market's undulations may appear to those on the outside, it is in fact the market's instability that serves as stability. Owning and operating a fleet of petroleum carrying tankers has undoubtedly become a much more scrutinized and legislated endeavor than any time past. The eyes of the world, individual nations and even specific "environmentally sensitive" regions are on constant watch, prepared to strike with the broad sword of legal action in the unlikely event of an incident or catastrophe. The heightened sense of legal responsibility has undoubtedly changed, and will continue to shape the tanker business.

18 Sep 2000

BP Takes Three DH Tankers from NASSCO

Mid last month General Dynamics divulged that its National Steel and Shipbuilding Co. (NASSCO) unit had won a lucrative and much sought after contract to build three double hull tankers for BP. The deal, worth approximately $630 million, calls for a tanker trio which will carry crude from Valdez, Alaska, to U.S. West Coast ports. The contract includes options for three additional vessels, driving the potential price-tag for the project to well more than $1 billion. The design will put strong emphasis on environmental safety, including redundant diesel-electric propulsion systems in independent engine rooms, two propellers, and twin rudders. The ship will incorporate the latest, proven technology in environmental protection, ship navigation, and cargo control systems.

20 Oct 2004

NASSCO Holds Ceremony for BP Tanker

National Steel and Shipbuilding Company (NASSCO) recently held a start-of-construction ceremony for NASSCO Hull 487, the fourth of four Alaska Class, double-hull oil tankers being constructed for BP Oil Shipping Company, USA. BP's Site Team Member Richard Blaine activated a robotic welding machine and cut the first piece of steel for the new ship. "These double-hull tankers are among the most environmentally friendly ships ever built, incorporating the latest in tanker design and construction," said Richard Vortmann, president of NASSCO.

10 Sep 2004

NASSCO Delivers

National Steel and Shipbuilding Company (NASSCO) delivered the Alaskan Frontier, the first of four Alaska-class double-hull oil tankers being built for BP Oil Shipping Company, USA. Touted as state-of-the-art ships and environmentally friendly — backed by an innovative diesel-electric propulsion system, with redundant engines, shafts and screws, significantly increases reliability and reduces air emissions and maintenance downtime — the ship has been designed for a life of 35 years with a deck structure designed for a life of 50 years. The ship uses seawater instead of oil to cool and lubricate their propeller shafts, thus eliminating the possibility of accidental oil leaks. Their cargo piping, normally installed on the deck, is inside the cargo tanks, to reduce the risk of small spills.

02 Oct 2000

BP Takes Three DH Tankers from NASSCO

Mid last month, General Dynamics divulged that its National Steel and Shipbuilding Co. (NASSCO) unit had won a lucrative and much sought after contract to build three double hull tankers for BP. The deal, worth approximately $630 million, calls for a tanker trio which will carry crude from Valdez, Alaska, to U.S. West Coast ports. The contract includes options for three additional vessels, driving the potential price-tag for the project to well more than $1 billion. The design will put strong emphasis on environmental safety, including redundant diesel-electric propulsion systems in independent engine rooms, two propellers, and twin rudders. The ship will incorporate the latest, proven technology in environmental protection, ship navigation, and cargo control systems.