The tanker Renda and ice-breaker Healy have arrived in the area of the ice-choked Nome harbor. A safety zone has been set up to keep people away from the vessels and the hose that will likely be used to deliver fuel. The ice-capable Renda is a Russian vessel hired by Vitus Marine. To comply with the Jones act it had to obtain fuel oil in Korea, but then was granted a waiver when it couldn’t get to Japan to pick up gasoline. That ended up being supplied by Delta Western in Dutch Harbor.
The Sitnasuak Native corporation says once delivery is accomplished, these fuel supplies should get Nome through the winter and hopefully last until the next barge delivery.
Ben Matheson is a contributor with the Alaska Public Radio Network.
