Lecture Notes: The Exxon Valdez Oil Spill

Overview

• The pipeline ends at the south coast of Alaska, in Valdez.
• Oil flows continuously into storage tanks.
• Ships arrive to transport oil from tanks to other locations.
• The process is ongoing, with ships arriving sequentially.

Exxon Valdez Accident Insight

• Misconception: The captain's drunken state was not the cause of the accident.
• Navigation: First, second, and third officers are equipped to navigate the ship.
• At the time of the accident, the third officer was in charge.

Anchorage and Navigation

• Port of Valdez is situated in a narrow fjord.
• Ships need to navigate carefully around markers to avoid collisions.
• Columbia Glacier nearby releases icebergs, posing navigational hazards.

Incident Details

• Exxon Valdez sought Coast Guard permission to divert course due to icebergs.
• Received permission to temporarily navigate the wrong way to avoid icebergs.
• Standard course: South to Long Beach, California.

Accident Specifics

• Ship failed to correct course back after diverting for icebergs.
• Autopilot was accidentally engaged, preventing manual course corrections.
• The ship ended up hitting Bligh Reef, causing oil spill.

Response and Aftermath

• Immediate oil leakage following the collision.
• Multiple agencies (Coast Guard, State of Alaska, US Fisheries) disputed over response coordination.
• Oil companies unprepared; lacked trained personnel and equipment for spill containment.

Key Lessons

• Importance of clear responsibility and coordination in incident response.
• Need for oil companies to maintain adequate preparedness for environmental accidents.