Trans Mountain Pipeline Expansion

[Peter & Judy]

With the Trans Mountain Pipeline Expansion moving forward after the Canadian Government decided to buy the stalled pipeline from Texas based Kinder Morgan. The expansion is not yet built and is still facing a lot of hurdles due mainly to BC opposition to it. If and when it is completed it will greatly increase the number of oil tankers travelling to and from the Port of Vancouver. The Globe and Mail has just published an interesting interactive feature on the effects of this increased tanker activity in the Strait of Georgia and the Juan de Fuca Strait. Since this is in the prime boating territory of many C-Brats, I thought that I would share the link with you.

https://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/br ... e35043172/

 

[thataway]

Peter,

Thanks for the heads up and link. I have to compare that to Valdez, where there are two tugs all of the way. This proposed scheme in BC has a lot of the escort voyage with only one tug--and untethered for part of that trip. (probably justified). The real responsibility goes with the pilots and the tug operators, yet we know that even with pilots aboard foreign vessels, accidents do happen, especially when they are not familiar with the navigation gear on these vessels.

This July 1st Crowley is no longer doing the Valdez escort. Their tugs are going to be scrapped, despite several having state of the art propulsion systems. (I have heard rumors of possible salvage of the engines and drives). The escort service is being taken over by Louisiana-based Edison Chouest Offshore. The crews have little if any experience in the Alaskan waters. Edson Chouest has built a fleet of new tugs for this service and they have 12,300 HP vs 10,000 Hp for the Crowley tugs. (I have two friends who work on the Crowley tugs--one is a senior skipper, and had worked in the PNW and AK for over 20 years.)

I guess some of you who boat the Prince William sound area may have to learn Cajon, when communicating with the crew of Edison Chouest tugs.

Consider that the voyage thru International, US and Canadian waters is lengthy and at times in close quarters, with significant currents and traffic, the chance of an accident during the projected life of the project seems high to me.

 

[Robert H. Wilkinson]

after the Canadian Government decided to buy the stalled pipeline

A lot of people not happy about this either. They are privatizing things left right and center then do this. :amgry It will make the taxpayers responsible for any cost overruns(which there always is) and any environmental issues.

OK I better stop now! :disgust

 

[Pandion]

Consider that the voyage thru International, US and Canadian waters is lengthy and at times in close quarters, with significant currents and traffic, the chance of an accident during the projected life of the project seems high to me.

But the waters will be a lot calmer when covered by an enormous oil slick, won't they?

 

[kennharriet]

I suppose the best way to protest projects that increase the flow of fossil fuels is to not use inefficient contrivances such as pleasure boats and the vehicles that tow them. :wink:

 

[tsturm]

I suppose the best way to protest projects that increase the flow of fossil fuels is to not use inefficient contrivances such as pleasure boats and the vehicles that tow them. :wink:

Oh my god no??? not me. I just don't want it in my play pen.
Oh wait, I live in Cook inlet, 4-5 tankers a week, crude from Valdez in & Fuel from refinery out, all most forgot, 16 off shore platforms. Best fishing I have ever been around. (including entire wash. coast in the sixties.) :roll: :wink:

Have a good one!!

 

[westward]

I suppose the best way to protest projects that increase the flow of fossil fuels is to not use inefficient contrivances such as pleasure boats and the vehicles that tow them

You have a point my friend!