According to the Peninsula Clarion the Tesoro Corporation earned itself a violation notice from the state of Alaska when one of its tankers caused a "near miss" in Cook Inlet this winter. Heavy tidal currents, winter ice, deteriorating tugs and negligent eyes all appear to have stacked up against the Tesoro tanker Overseas Martinez as it attempted to load cargo during the wee morning hours of January 13th.
Overseas Martinez was docked at the Port of Nikiski when the engine on the tug assisting it failed. Without the tug boat to hold it steady the heavy current pushed the massive tanker along the Kenai Pipe Line Co. dock causing damage to railings. Fortunately, the tanker did not break with her mooring lines, nor did she do outstanding damage to any other boats or property. However, the debacle highlights the third time in the last six years that a winter-time incident involving an oil tanker has damaged property at the Kenai Pipe Line Company's Nikiski Wharf. In 2006 the fully loaded Seabulk Pride was pulled off the dock by strong tidal drifting without direction before running aground north of the port. In 2007 the same tanker was again ripped off the dock, although this time around her crew was quick on the draw and directed her toward open water before getting the engines going, thus avoiding a second beaching.
Despite this rather embarrassing trend, Tesoro officials insist that when done right, loading cargo at the Nikiski Wharf is not dangerous. Tell that to the poor tug boat.