Marine information and plan
Enbridge is committed to ensuring that vessels transporting petroleum and condensate via the Northern Gateway Terminal in Kitimat will be operated to the highest internationally recognized safety and environmental standards. The safe passage of marine vessels will be achieved through a comprehensive strategy that brings together the best people, technology and planning. The marine strategy will include the following standards:
- All vessels entering Kitimat Marine Terminal will be modern and double-hulled
- Operational safety limits will be established to cover visibility, wind and sea conditions
- The escort tugs will have extensive first response capabilities to provide immediate assistance if required (available to any ship in distress)
- Northern Gateway will install an advanced radar system to cover important route sections to provide guidance to pilots and all marine traffic on the Northwest coast
- Additional navigational aids will be installed, such as navigation beacons, buoys and lights throughout the confined channel area
- Prior to arrival in Canadian waters, all vessels will be vetted by independent, third-party agencies and will be required to meet Northern Gateway's safety and environmental standards
- Vessel speed will be reduced in the marine channels to between 8 and 12 knots
- All tankers visiting the Kitimat Marine Terminal will be safely guided by certified marine pilots
- While docked at the Northern Gateway Kitimat Marine Terminal, tankers loading export oil will be surrounded by a containment boom
- Information from new weather stations along the route will be available to all vessels
- Northern Gateway will significantly increase the emergency response capabilities along the main northern shipping routes, making the routes safer, not just for tankers but for everyone
