Tankers Exceed Environmental Regulations

Northrop Grumman Corporation's Ship Systems (New Orleans) delivered the tanker Polar Resolution - the second of five 140,000 deadweight (DWT) Endeavour-class double-hulled crude oil carriers built for Polar Tankers. The Endeavour-class tankers are the first crude oil carriers being built for the Alaskan trade in compliance with the federal Oil Pollution Act of 1990. They meet or exceed existing and proposed environmental regulations and will set new standards for innovation and environmental protection. The crude carriers are 894.7 feet (272.69M) long by 151.6 feet (46.2M) wide by 86.29 feet (25.3M) deep. The ships will hold more than one million barrels of cargo at full capacity.

These tankers have double hulls, which have an average distance of 10-feet between them and exceed regulatory minimums. They incorporate double, independent engine rooms, twin propellers and twin rudders for greater maneuverability. All cargo, fuel and lubricating oils are isolated from the ship's side by ballast tanks or void spaces. The ships are powered by two, MAN B&W 7S50 MC-C, 15,000-BHP, slow-speed diesel engines turning twin shafts with four-bladed, controllable reversible-pitch propellers measuring 19 feet in diameter. Top speed is 16 knots and the tanker has an endurance range of 12,500 nautical miles. Polar Resolution's bridge incorporates electronic chart display and information systems, an advanced navigation and tracking system, and global marine distress and safety system. The vessels will meet pending air emissions regulations for engines. The ships are also painted with tin-free, anti-fouling paint in anticipation of proposed regulations.