Exxon Valdez
1986
(Rhenania Junior RH-J-70)
- Type: Very Large Crude Carrier
- Displacement: 95,169 grt
- Dimensions: 987 x 166 x 38 ft.
- Machinery: diesel, single screw 31,650 bhp = 16 knots
- Crew: 19
- Builder: National Steel & Shipbuilding, San Diego, CA, 1986
- Service: Built for Exxon Shipping Co for transporting oil between the Alyeska Marine Terminal of the TransAlaska Pipeline at Valdez, Alaska, and various west coast ports. In the early hours of 24 March 1989, while under the command of Capt Joseph Hazelwood, she ran aground on Bligh Reef in Prince William Sound, just 25 miles from Valdez. Eight of eleven cargo tanks were punctured and a huge oil spill ensued, eventually totalling 260,000 barrels before the tanker was offloaded and refloated on 5 April. This was the largest spill in U.S. history and led to significant financial penalties for Exxon. Following repairs, the tanker reentered service in 1990 as Exxon Mediterranean, loading oil in the Persian Gulf.
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