New Spill Response Barge Delivered to Alaskan Operator

Anacortes, Wash. shipbuilder Dakota Creek Industries (DCI) has delivered a new state-of-the-art oil spill response barge to Alyeska Pipeline Service Company for operation in the coastal waters of Alaska.

The barge, named Allison Creek, is specifically designed by Elliot Bay Design Group (EBDG) to meet the rigorous requirements in Prince William Sound. Allison Creek has a capacity of 13,600 barrels, an overall length of 200', beam of 42', depth of 16' and is outfitted with a deck crane and on-deck houses to store emergency response equipment.

The barge is certified by the U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) for the recovery and disposal transport of petroleum products, ensuring compliance with applicable requirements outlined in USCG 46 CFR Subchapter D. Additionally, the vessel is classed by the American Bureau of Shipping (ABS) for Oil Spill Recovery.

The new barge will be moored off of Berth 5 at the Valdez Marine Terminal and would store recovered oil during a response. It replaces a barge built in 1956.

EBDG developed the complete contract and functional design drawing and document package as well as managed the submital and engineering liaison process with the USCG and ABS. Loading and systems modeling were provided by EBDG in partnership with Adaptive Marine Solutions, Inc. DCI built the vessel at their shipbuilding and repair facility in Anacortes, Wash. During construction, EBDG and DCI worked collaboratively to ensure the safe, reliable, and durable construction of the vessel in accordance with the client's specifications.

"EBDG has designed a wide range of spill response barges and vessels for port cities across our nation. The Allison Creek joins our distinguished portfolio, standing as a symbol of our commitment to the environment and safeguarding precious marine ecosystems," said Michael Complita, Principal at Elliot Bay Design Group.

The Allison Creek joins a fleet of other OSRB's designed by EBDG and positioned in Alaska that will further bolster emergency response capabilities in the region.