Transport

DEEP WATER LOADING

CAN ACCOMMODATE VERY LARGE CRUDE VESSELS

The use of a Very Large Crude Carrier (VLCC) or Ultra Large Crude Carrier (ULCC) was made available due to a underwater piping system from the terminal head 1,500 feet to an area of the bay with sufficient water to accommodate the ships berth.

There are four principle ways to move bulk water from Sitka to it’s destination.

1. The use of a barge configured to hold potable water.

2. A general bulk-carrier fitted with a water bladder within the ship’s hold.

3. A tanker ship configured to hold potable water.

4. The use of large nylon bladders. The bladders can be towed behind a carrier or tug.

A leading research and development company Monohakobi Technology Institute (MTI) of Japan has been developing new technology in water-bag development. MTI’s water-bags are designed to carry high volumes of water, with lower investment and operational costs than using carriers. Extensive research and testing is continuing on the use of large bags for water transport.