At-Sea Transfer of Fuel

Fuel Delivery to Communities

Communities in Arctic and Western Alaska rely on vessels to deliver the fuel that heats homes and runs equipment.

This fuel is delivered to remote communities by large ships which anchor offshore and transfer the fuel to smaller vessels.

Gas station in Nome Alaska.
P.A. Lawrence, LLC.

Although the companies that conduct at-sea transfers of fuel in this region have a good safety record, this process poses obvious risks. An accident could result in an oil spill, contaminating the marine environment.

In the Arctic, a major marine oil spill could have disastrous consequences for the region’s abundant birds, fish and marine mammals.

It could also have severe impacts on Indigenous residents who rely on wildlife as important sources of food and as a cornerstone of traditional cultural practices.

An aerial view of Humpback whale swimming through oil slick.
Wild Wonders of Europe / Carwardine

How is Fuel Transferred?

Fuel delivery in this region often involves a process called “lightering”—the at-sea transfer of fuel from a large tanker or barge to a smaller vessel. The smaller vessels are needed to navigate shallow coastal waters and rivers where communities are located.

Download the infographic →Tanker Lightering in Arctic Alaska

Ocean Conservancy

A Near Miss

In June 2016, a Norwegian tanker carrying more than 14 million gallons of fuel destined for Alaskan communities ran aground 10 miles off Nunivak Island. The accident was blamed on outdated nautical charts.

Fortunately, no one was hurt and no oil was spilled. But it was a close call and a warning about the potential for accidents related to fuel delivery.

Lightering operations heighten the risk of oil spills.

In addition to spills caused by tanker groundings, accidents can occur during the fuel transfer itself.

While no lightering spills have been reported in western Alaska, existing practices can be strengthened.

To learn more about tanker lightering in Arctic Alaska, download this Nuka Research report → Overview of Tanker Lightering in Arctic Alaska

Aerial drone ultra wide photo of industrial fuel and gas tanker ship.
Adobe Stock

Recommendations

Marine Exchange of Alaska Ops Center.
Alaska Marine Exchange

Identify a limited number of areas where at-sea transfer of fuel can safely take place.

Ensure adequate spill response equipment is available in lightering zones.

Improve nautical charts to prevent groundings and other accidents.

Adopt a standardized set of best practices to reduce the risk of spills and minimize impacts.

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