Many letter-writers make comment on a supposed moratorium on oil-tanker traffic on the West Coast. Many are convinced such a policy is worthwhile because of the mistaken belief that such marine traffic is high-risk.
The facts do not support this risk assessment, and indeed an invisible pipeline of oil tankers regularly plies the waters off Vancouver Island. Per year, more than 850 oil tankers transit from Alaska south to U.S. waters, with 450 entering Juan de Fuca Strait, within five nautical miles of Vancouver Island.
These tankers transit both the Gulf and San Juan Islands to and from oil refineries in Canada and Washington state. In fact, 110 million cubic metres of oil moves through B.C. waters by tanker, 42 million cubic metres in the bunker tanks of container and bulk cargo ships, and 48 million cubic metres by barge and tug.
This volume of oil has moved through B.C.’s maritime region for many decades safely without any spills.
The safety of maritime traffic is supported by the fact that more than 7,000 large vessels transit Juan de Fuca Strait annually without mishap. This marine traffic is heavy regulated, and the movement is overseen by the vessel traffic management system.
Highly qualified B.C. pilots are on the bridge of each ship when entering specific marine areas. Tankers in specific restricted areas are escorted by two tugs, one tethered, and each tanker is double-hulled.
Robin Allen
Victoria
