WHOI: Fukushima Radioactivity Detected Off West Coast
Monitoring efforts along the Pacific Coast of the U.S. and Canada have detected the presence of small amounts of radioactivity from the 2011 Fukushima Dai-ichi Nuclear Power Plant accident 100 miles (150 km) due west of Eureka, California. Scientists at the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (WHOI) found the trace amounts of telltale radioactive compounds as part of their ongoing monitoring of natural and human sources of radioactivity in the ocean. In the aftermath of the 2011 tsunami off Japan, the Fukushima Dai-ichi Nuclear Power Plant released cesium-134 and other radioactive elements into the ocean at unprecedented levels. Since then, the radioactive plume has traveled west across the Pacific, propelled largely by ocean currents and being diluted along the way.
Energy Markets Buoy U.S. Shipbuilding
Proliferation of energy related transport continues to drive commercial U.S. As the United States aims towards energy independence by the end of this decade, domestic shipyards and vessels owners are reaping rewards from this most unexpected turn of events. Hydraulic Fracturing, or fracking, has been the main (and well publicized) culprit in the rapid turn of events. While the proliferation of gas has been widely known for years, the presence of oil, in quantity, was a pleasant…
Kvichak Delivers Vessel to NSEDC
Kvichak Marine Industries, Inc. recently delivered a multi-mission 66’ all-aluminum Shallow Draft Crab and Salmon Tender to the Norton Sound Economic Development Corporation (NSEDC). The vessel was christened the Paul C. Johnson in honor of the late Paul “Koublou” Charles Johnson of Unalakleet, AK at a ceremony at Fisherman’s Terminal in Seattle. Designed by Kvichak Marine to the mission specifications of NSEDC, the 66’ x 25’ vessel is intended for very shallow draft crab and salmon tendering operations in the Norton Sound region, and will draw just 4’-6” when fully loaded.
Kvichak Contracted for Shallow Draft Tender
Kvichak Marine Industries, Inc. was recently awarded a contract by Norton Sound Economic Development Corporation (NSEDC) to build an all-aluminum 66’ Shallow Draft Tender to be used for multiple fisheries in and around Norton Sound, Ak. Designed by Kvichak Marine, the 66’ x 25’ tender will be powered by twin Cummins QSM11 marine diesel engines rated for 450 BHP at 2100 RPM. The engines are coupled to ZF 360 transmissions that drive NiBrAl four-blade propellers. Delivery is scheduled for the spring of 2014. kvichak.com
Crowley's DH Petroleum Barges Deployed to Western Alaska
Crowley Maritime Corp. is deploying two new double-hulled, combination deck cargo and tank barges this week in Western Alaska. The DBL 165-1 and DBL 165-2 barges left Dakota Creek Industries in Anacortes, Wash., earlier this month and made a brief stop in Seward for final outfitting of equipment - including hoses, lines, pumps and other gear - necessary for operating in Western Alaska. The barges are expected to load their first cargoes of petroleum products in Bristol Bay this week and will begin making deliveries to customers along the Bering Sea coast soon afterward. Both vessels will be home ported in Nome and will be used for shallow draft operations and beach landings for the delivery of fuel and cargo to the remote communities of Western Alaska.
Crowley Builds DH Petroleum Barges for Alaska
Preparing to take environmental protection of Western Alaska waters to a whole new level, Crowley Maritime Corporation christened two new double-hulled petroleum tank barges, the 165-1 and 165-2, May 7 during a small ceremony at Dakota Creek Industries in Anacortes, Wash. The vessels, which are the first double-hulled, environmentally friendly barges of their kind to operate in Western Alaska waters, will join Crowley's 180-1, a double-hull barge that has serviced Alaska since 2005.
