Mission: prevention.

• Author: Phelps, Jack E.
• Position: Alyeska Pipeline Service Co.'s Ship Escort Response Vessel System - 1994 Environmental Services - Directory

As a result of the 1989 Exxon Valdez disaster, Alyeska's Ship Escort Response Vessel System (SERVS) now stands guard in Prince William Sound to prevent future oil spills.

The first tanker carrying crude from Alaska's North Slope departed Alyeska's Valdez terminal in August 1977. Since that time, tankers have made more than 12,500 trips through Valdez narrows, past Hinchinbrook Entrance and on down the West Coast of North America. Of these ships, by far the most famous is the Exxon Valdez, which spilled its cargo -- some 11 million gallons of crude oil -- off Bligh Reef in March 1989.

In the spring of 1989, in response to Gov. Steve Cowper's emergency order to reopen the Valdez terminal for shipping, Alyeska Pipeline Service Co. formed the Ship Escort and Response Vessel System (SERVS). SERVS is the key player in the Prince William Sound Oil Spill Prevention Response Plan designed to prevent another spill and to minimize the consequences should such a spill occur. According to company literature, the purpose of SERVS is "to assist tankers in safe navigation through Prince William Sound and provide the first level of response in the event of a tanker problem or oil spill."

Tim Corsini, Prince William Sound response supervisor for SERVS, says, "Prior to 1989, tugs assisted tankers only through the Narrows." Now all outbound tankers are accompanied by a tug and at least one Escort Response Vessel (ERV) all the way to Seal Rocks, outside Hinchinbrook Entrance in the Gulf of Alaska. Under wind conditions of 30 to 40 knots, two tugs will be used through the Narrows, according to Corsini. With winds over 40 knots, tanker movement is suspended.

According to Jim McHale, SERVS manager, capital expenditures for the system since 1989 have exceeded $200 million, and SERVS consumes about $50 million per year in operation and maintenance costs. The SERVS fleet consists of five ERVs, three tugs, five large oil spill recovery barges, and about 40 miscellaneous smaller vessels. Full-time employment hovers around 260, including 45 employees recently transferred from the Valdez terminal to SERVS payroll.

LEVELS OF DEFENSE

The ERVs are specially equipped vessels designed particularly for providing the first level of response to an oil spill or tanker difficulty. Their crews are specially trained and participate in regular training exercises and drills. As for the boats, Corsini says, "They are 210 feet and rated at 299 tons. Most of them were built in the...