OPA 90 established a double hull requirement and a liberal phase-out schedule based on representations by tanker owners that such a schedule would allow orderly replacement transition. 11 of these tanker vessels range in age from 37 to 54 years. No new double-hulled tankers have been introduced in the Alaskan trade in last 10 years. American Heavy Lift, ARCO, Hvide Marine and Mobile have taken delivery or placed orders for double-hulled tankers. These operators could be economically penalized because their rates may not be as competitive as are the rates enjoyed by owners who are not abiding by the law, and who are seeking ways to circumvent the letter and spirit of the OPA 90 phase-out schedule.
Circumvention is wrong and poses an ever-increasing threat of catastrophic oil spills.
Double hulled tanker incidents had little or no oil spills. Validates that double hulls are sound and OPA 90 does not need to be amended. Domestic tanker fleet has an average of 175 oil spills each year.