Eric Watkins
Senior Correspondent
SAN DIEGO, May 24 -- Two double-hull oil tankers, both owned and operated by BP Oil & Shipping Co USA, were pulled from service in Alaska following the discovery of large cracks in their rudders.
"We don't know the cause of the cracks yet, and the matter is still under investigation," said Steve Clarey, a spokesman for San Diego-based National Steel & Shipbuilding Co. (Nassco), which built the ships.
Clarey said the 193,050 dwt Alaskan Frontier was undergoing routine scheduled maintenance on May 14 when workers found cracks on the plating of the two rudders, including one 9 ft long. Inspection of the 193,050 dwt Alaskan Frontier disclosed similar problems.
The Alaskan Explorer was repaired and returned to service. Clarey didn't know when the other ship would resume work.
