Tanker Spills: Prevention By Design

This study, prompted by the March 1989 grounding of the EXXON VALDEZ in Prince William Sound, Alaska, focused on how alternative tank vessel (tanker and barge) designs might influence the safety of personnel, property, and the environment, and at what cost. Conducted by the Marine Board's Committee on Tank Vessel Design, the assessment included reviews of existing studies and data on accidents and tank vessel design, and new investigations of the theoretical effects of collisions and groundings, the pollution-reduction potential and cost-effectiveness of alternative designs, and risk reduction potential. The report is organized in four parts.