Russian icebreaker Tanker Renda; Winter fuel delivery to Nome, Alaska

Source report excerpt: “Russian tanker faces hurdles bringing fuel to Alaska RUSSIAN: Regulations and poor weather keep tanker from loading in Japan. By CASEY GROVE (12/24/11 23:05:29) A Russian fuel tanker expected to make the first-ever winter fuel delivery by sea to Western Alaska suffered a setback when it was unable to load gasoline in Japan as originally planned, according to the Coast Guard. And some serious hurdles remain before the vessel and a U.S. Coast Guard icebreaker can cross some 300 miles of sea ice and deliver fuel to Nome. In November, a massive Bering Sea storm prevented a barge from delivering gasoline, diesel and home heating fuel to Nome. With gas prices expected to jump to as much as $9 a […]”

Source report excerpt: “Current BEST CASE SCENARIO Timeline of events: -Monday/Tuesday, 02/03 Jan - RENDA Arrive Dutch Harbor - Possibly load gas & Port State Inspection. -Wednesday, 04 Jan - Underway en route Nome. -Thursday, 05 Jan - Enter Ice northbound. -Monday, 09 Jan - Arrive 1nm offshore of Nome. (Renda attempt to break into Nome outside harbor) - Tuesday, 10 Jan - outbound transit in ice southbound. -Friday, 13 Jan - departure from Ice (Renda/Healy start transit to homeport)”

Source report excerpt: “SUMMARY of 0930,27 DEC (TUESDAY) - Conference Call discussion: SUMMARY: No word on Jones Act Waiver, and timeline for Healy underway to assist with an at sea Port State Control (PSC) exam will be in 24-36 hours (PM 28 Dec or AM 29 Dec). Alaska DEC and Vitus Marine working hard on transfer procedures and Response/contingency plan with goal of final Draft by COB tomorrow. Sector Anchorage will be coordinating separate conference call to discuss "GO"/"NO GO" situations starting tomorrow. T/V Renda continues towards Dutch Harbor with a goal of arriving on 02 January if Jones Act Waiver is received; if no Jones Act Waiver received before COB tomorrow (Alaska Standard Time) Healy with depart […]”

Source report excerpt: “17th District Public Affairs U.S. Coast Guard Department of Homeland Security Coast Guard logo News Release Date: December 21, 2011 Contact: External Affairs Office (907) 463-2065 Cutter Healy, Renda to bring aid to Nome JUNEAU, Alaska — The Coast Guard Cutter Healy has completed a seven-month science mission and their deployment is being extended an additional month to assist the citizens of Nome with their looming energy crisis. "Ensuring the safe and expeditious transport of fuel to the people of Nome is consistent with the heritage of the Coast Guard in Alaska," said Rear Adm. Thomas Ostebo, commander District Seventeen. "I recently met with Healy's crew and they understand the […]”

Source report excerpt: “Greetings ARRT, As you may have read in the national news yesterday, the USCG (using the icebreaking Cutter HEALY) is assisting a commercial entity (Russian Tanker Vessel RENDA, operated by Vitus Marine, LLC) in making a much needed fuel delivery to Nome, Alaska in the next few weeks. The Federal On-Scene Coordinator (FOSC), CAPT Jason Fosdick, USCG, has requested that we provide the ARRT an update to the ongoing efforts to support the City of Nome in obtaining this fuel for winter operations. The FOSC has not requested activation of the ARRT at this time. This is merely an initial informational brief. More detail will be forthcoming as the plan works toward maturity. Background: The last […]”

Source report excerpt: “SUMMARY of 29 DEC (THURSDAY) - Conference Call discussion: SUMMARY: T/V Renda still on schedule with Advance Notice of Arrival (ANOA) submitted for Dutch Harbor on Monday afternoon, 2 January. It is possible that an answer to Vitus Marine's Jones Act waiver request could come as early as tomorrow morning from Secretary of DHS. DoD (last agency to provide comment to CBP) provided its "No Objection" earlier today on Jones Act waiver request. T/V Renda is approximately 340 nautical miles southwest of Attu Island and should enter into the U.S. EEZ late tonight. We continue to receive daily position updates at 0800 and 2000 from Master of the Renda. University of Alaska reported they anticipate […]”

Source report excerpt: “Begich Praises Nome Refueling Waiver Decision Hurdle cleared to bring needed fuel to icebound Alaska community U.S. Sen. Mark Begich praised a decision by Department of Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano today to allow a Russian flagged tanker to carry fuel from Dutch Harbor to Nome. The ice-classed tanker Renda, to be escorted by the Coast Guard icebreaker Healy, will bring one million gallons of diesel fuel and 400,000 gallons of gasoline to the icebound city whose usual fall fuel shipment was blocked by a record fall storm and ice. Movement of the fuel between two U.S. ports by a foreign flagged vessel required a waiver of the Jones Act. Sen. Begich sent letters to Napolitano […]”

Source report excerpt: “UPDATE ON FUEL DELIVERY as of 4:00 P.M. - 02 January (MONDAY) - SUMMARY: T/V Renda has arrived into Dutch Harbor and is currently involved in loading gasoline and Port State Control examination. Healy and Renda are scheduled to depart Dutch Harbor and commence transit to Nome P.M. of Tuesday 03 January.”

Source report excerpt: “UPDATE ON FUEL DELIVERY as of 4:00 P.M. - 04 January (WEDNESDAY): SUMMARY: T/V Renda finished loading approximately 300K gallons of gasoline early this morning. Healy and Renda departed Dutch Harbor approximately 10:30 am this morning. CAPT Garay (Pilot) is onboard Renda for ice escort transit. ADEC received Commissioner's approval to close Public Comment period at 5:00 pm last night and are still working with Vitus Marine on changes and edits to Vitus Marine's Oil Discharge Prevention & Contingency Plan. Anticipate Healy and T/V Renda arriving to ice edge late evening on 05 January or early morning on 06 January depending on weather experienced enroute ice edge. NOAA/NWS service personnel […]”

Source report excerpt: “==================== UPDATE ON FUEL DELIVERY as of 4:00 P.M. - 05 January (THURSDAY): SUMMARY: T/V Renda experienced minor machinery casualty upon departure from Dutch Harbor but affected repairs, was inspected and recommenced transit with Healy towards Nome. Vessels anticipate encountering ice late tonight with arrival off shore Nome around 0800 Monday, 9 January depending on speed during the ice transit. ADEC reported significant progress in regards to Vitus Marine's Contingency Plans and responses to received Public Comments with no foreseeable show stoppers. ADEC, USCG Sector Anchorage, and other partners are making preparations for deploying mission essential personnel to Nome over the […]”

Source report excerpt: “This situation report for Jan. 5 seems to contain more useful information than the previous one. In particular, attention should given to the CGC Healy hourly webcam, which can be accessed at http://icefloe.net/Aloftcon_Photos/ . John Whitney NOAA SSC for Alaska”

Source report excerpt: “Healy and Renda made reasonable progress overnight but experienced an ice ridge approximately 3-4 hours ago that slowed the Renda to a stop (which also afforded an opportunity for crew rest, regrouping, and additional communications). Progress has resumed. The Renda did require an assist last night and with good visibility from the moon, the assist was safely accomplished. Held conference call this morning with all partners. On scene ice conditions past 24 hours have ranged from 6" to 2.5' but have encountered some ridging in the range of 3' - 4'. Healy is currently 190 NM from Nome and in 10/10 ice concentration and will most likely will remain 10/10 from now on. All partners remain […]”

Source report excerpt: “NOAA Wx Spot Reports http://pafc.arh.noaa.gov/rendaspot.php Tracking site http://www.sailwx.info/shiptrack/shipposition.phtml?call=NEPP Hourly photos and position from HEALY's mounted aloft camera http://icefloe.net/Aloftcon_Photos/index.php?album=2012 State DEC update site: http://dec.alaska.gov/spar/renda/ USCG Public Affairs link to Alaska Operations and Renda http://www.d17.uscgnews.com/go/doc/780/474403/ Posted by John Whitney, NOAA SSC for Alaska”

Source report excerpt: “Situation as of 3:00 pm Alaska Time, Monday, January 9 SUMMARY: Healy and Renda are approximately 118 miles away from Nome making good progress at last report. 23+ personnel arrived over the weekend which makes up the Forward Operating Team in Nome. A summary of the teams efforts to date is expected at tomorrow's conference call from Nome. NOAA forecasters calling for thinner ice ahead of Healy than has been seen over past 24-48 hours but increased winds are also forecasted that will cause more dynamic ice conditions. Coordination/preparations continue in Nome between USCG, State, industry, tribal, and academic partners. NOAA currently researching possible track alterations that would be […]”

Source report excerpt: “Situation as of 2:30 pm Alaska Time, Tuesday, January 10 SUMMARY: Healy and Renda crossed the 63rd parallel this morning but are encountering dynamic ice conditions due to increased winds significantly slowing progress. Distance to Nome is approximately 95 miles. NOAA is providing recommended track directly to Healy to avoid similar ice conditions in Norton Sound. Forward Operating Base (FOB) - Nome has reached 40+ inter/intra agency/partner personnel. Given additional time until arrival of Renda provides opportunity for more complete preparations. A technical advisor (experienced U.S. ice navigator) was hired by Vitus Marine yesterday and should be arriving into Nome this evening and will […]”

Source report excerpt: “Situation as of 2:30 pm Alaska Time, Wednesday, January 11 SUMMARY: No significant distance traveled by Healy/Renda over last 24 hours. Still approximately 100 miles to Nome. Technical advisor (experienced U.S. ice navigator) hired by Vitus Marine safely arrived on board Healy moments ago to assist and may transfer to Renda after developing situational awareness of the challenges from on board Healy. Healy will relaunch their helicopter and it will remain shore based from Nome for the foreseeable future. Upon completion of helicopter operations (within the hour), Healy will recommence efforts to get Renda moving northward as ice conditions have moderated somewhat from yesterday. Forward […]”

Source report excerpt: “SUMMARY: Healy and Renda barreling towards Nome (40 NM from the Nome breakwater entrance, averaging 7.49 kts over the last two hrs (1200-1400). Cautiously optimistic. Healy/Renda transited 35 miles yesterday to bring them approximately 70 miles from Nome. NOAA ice forecaster providing invaluable input to Healy on leads and areas of lighter ice concentrations. Direct route is not the most expedient. Anticipate having Technical Advisor remain on Healy with possible transfer to Renda as they near Nome. Wx precluding C-130 over flight support today and without SAR coverage, MH-65 will remain in Nome. Forward Operating Base (FOB) - Nome reported updates to Incident Action Plan, productive use of […]”

Source report excerpt: “SUMMARY: Healy and Renda have arrived in vicinity of Nome and have commenced escort to fueling offload location. Healy and Renda transited until approximately midnight last night where they stopped operations approximately 6 miles offshore from Nome outer harbor to await daylight and further coordination prior to commencing the break-in to the fueling offload location. According to NOAA ice forecaster, the shore fast ice extends approximately 1 mile off shore from jetties and that the outer shorefast ice is likely not grounded. Desired approach and mooring is to get Renda as close as possible to outer harbor but the limiting factor is the safe navigation of Healy in order to ensure enough […]”

Source report excerpt: “Renda has arrived to the fuel transfer location as previously planned!! Laying out of the hose will now proceed when ice conditions and safety constraints dictate. Healy is standing by to assist the Renda in southerly out movement maneuvers once the fuel transfer is complete.”

Source report excerpt: “Situation as of 11:00 am Alaska Time, Sunday January 15 SUMMARY: Healy and Renda hove to with Renda and industry commencing hose lay out after ice is confirmed to be safe for activities. Potential exists for fuel to flow late this afternoon or tomorrow. Renda moved into the fuel transfer offload position (460 yards southeast of the west breakwater) just after sunset yesterday. Healy is 863 yards ahead of them, 2,000 yards off the beach. Industry and CG ice safety supervisor investigated the ice around Healy and Renda to ensure the ice is safe for personnel and vehicles (i.e. snow machines and tracked vehicles) prior to commencing layout of the fuel hose from Renda to fuel riser. Once all […]”

Source report excerpt: “SUMMARY: Fuel delivery from Renda to the city dock on shore began 161706V Jan 12. Delivery of two different products (gasoline and diesel) will be transferred in two separate hose connections from Renda. Upon completion of transfer of gasoline, a second hose will be used for diesel. Expected transfer rate will be approximately 30,000 gallons/hour and duration could be as little as 36 hours. Healy and Renda remain safely hove to in the ice. USCG personnel continue to enforce the safety zone patrolling on snow machines and ANG equipment that are proving extremely beneficial to the operation (i.e., tracked Arctic vehicles). NOAA ice, weather forecasters and experts are assisting with the […]”

Source report excerpt: “Situation as of 3:00 pm Alaska Time, Tuesday, January 17 SUMMARY: Fuel transfer continues. Healy and Renda continue to remain safely hove to in the ice. Vitus Marine commenced fuel transfer of both cargo products to shore yesterday at 1706 but early this morning stopped the flow of gasoline in order to replace one section of hose which showed a slight bulge. Blister was smaller than 2 inches in diameter and was spotted by a fuel hose monitor around 1:00 am this morning. Operation continues today with second hose being air tested and prepared for use within the next hour or two. Fueling will return to rate of approximately 20,000 gallons/hour. Vitus Marine is working on an updated time for […]”

Source report excerpt: “SUMMARY: Transfer of gasoline complete. Diesel transfer over 50% complete, approximately 460K gallons remaining. Diesel transfer underway via two hoses. Healy and Renda remain safely hove to in the ice. Vitus Marine/Bonanza re-established gasoline fuel transfer after hose replacement yesterday. Both cargo products continued to flow through the night, and the transfer of gasoline was completed at approximately 3:30 am this morning. Gasoline hose was cleaned and cleared and as of 1:00PM, diesel fuel was being transferred from Renda ashore via two hoses, potentially doubling the transfer rate. Prior to 2 hose operations, single hose transfer rates were fluctuating but averaged between 15K and […]”

Source report excerpt: “SUMMARY: Transfer of all cargo is complete. Healy and Renda remain safely hove to in the ice and personnel are hard at work to safely disassemble the hoses and safety zone equipment. Intend to break out Renda Friday morning and commence southbound transit to the ice edge. Vitus Marine/Bonanza reported this morning that fuel transfer was complete at 5:30 am today. Estimate approximately 300K gallons of gasoline and 1.0 million gallons of diesel transferred ashore. First light efforts began to disassemble all hose and equipment from transfer. After lengthy discussion and planning Healy will start breaking Renda out from ice tomorrow morning (20 January) and start transit to ice edge. NOAA […]”

Source report excerpt: “FINAL EXECUTIVE SUMMARY: Healy has commenced break out of Renda. Upon completion of break out, Healy and Renda will commence transit south to ice edge, which is approximately 400 nm. Forward Operating Base (FOB)-Nome has been disestablished. Last group conference call with all partners was conducted this morning. Conference calls with small group focused on ice conditions, weather, and logistics for transit to continue. Coast Guard District 17, Juneau”