Russian Tanker to Attempt Fuel Delivery to Iced-In Alaskan City

The iced-in city of Nome, Alaska may be able to get its emergency fuel delivery. A Russian tanker, owned by Rimsco, with the ability to break through bulky ice, will attempt to deliver 1.5 million gallons of home heating fuel, gasoline and diesel fuel after an intense storm kept a barge with their last scheduled delivery out before winter began.

The vessel is certified to travel through 4-foot thick ice for long distances and is used to deliver fuel to far eastern Russian communities. The plan is for the vessel to depart Russia this week, have the fuel loaded in South Korea, and should arrive in Nome by late December. If the marine tanker successfully completes the delivery, it will be the first time that petroleum products have been delivered via sea during winter in western Alaska.

If the tanker cannot make it into the port, it has a hose that reaches over a mile for off-loading fuel. If gas had to be flown in to the city, 3,500 residents would be looking at gas for $9 per gallon. This option more the halved this estimate. The Coast Guard and Sitnasuak worked closely to come up with this solution.