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The U.S. Coast Guard final rule on escort requirements for certain tankers operating on the waters of Prince William Sound, Alaska, published Friday in the U.S. Federal Register.

This rule finalizes the escort requirements in Title 33, Code of Federal Regulations, Part CFR 168, which were previously published as an interim rule Aug. 19, 2013. This final rule mandates two tug escorts for double hull tankers of more than 5,000 gross tons, transporting oil in bulk in Prince William Sound.

A double hull provides vessels wtih added protection from an oil spill resulting from a hull breach due to a grounding, allision or collision. While double hull tank vessels provide greater protection from oil spills compared to single hull tank vessels, Section 711 of the Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2010 further intends to increase the protection of the environment and safety of vessels transiting Prince William Sound.

This final rule codifies the currency industry practice of a two tug escort system in Prince William Sound. The final rule eliminates any possible confusion witin industry by harmonizing the Code of Federal Regulations with the United States Code. Codification of the industry practice ensures the continuing environmental and safety benefits of the two tug escort system, which is to reduce the risk of an oil spill by ensuring the safe transit of tank vessels greater than 5,000 gross tons transporting oil in bulk in Prince William Sound.

The final rule can be found here.

Press Release, June 17, 2014