Port of Alaska has remained open for business and been deemed safe for continued operation following Friday morning's major earthquake, according to port officials.
"The general cargo docks and trestles have been inspected and are safe for regular shipping operations," the Anchorage facility said in a news release on its website.
Officials said the quake damaged several dock lights and overhead power lines that have since been repaired and dock cranes and other equipment are ready for regular use, according to inspectors.
"There are no known injuries or petroleum leaks or spills because of the earthquake."
Eastern Pacific Shipping tanker resumes pumping
The 47,400-dwt medium-range-two tanker Pacific Beryl (built 2010) was at dock and immediately stopped dispensing fuel when the tremor struck at 8:29 a.m. Anchorage time.
"Port of Alaska secured all fuel lines initial pressure tests are complete scheduled for Saturday," officials said.
"Pacific Beryl resumed pumping operations late Saturday after fuel line and tank system was declared safe."
Tote Maritime, Matson ships arrive on schedule
TOTE’s regularly scheduled vessel was expected to arrive at 1 a.m. today and Matson’s regularly scheduled vessel is expected to show later at 11:30 p.m.
"No disruption to regular cargo operations is expected," port officials said.
TOTE's 22,400-dwt ro-ro North Star (built 2003) is moored at the port, according to Vessels Value.
The 1,712-teu handy boxship Matson Kodiak (built 1987) is off of Canada's British Columbia in the North Pacific headed to Anchorage.
Both companies closed terminal operations on Friday following the quake.
Upper Cook Inlet okay for shipping activity
US Corps of Engineers surveys indicate that Upper Cook Inlet shipping channels and Port of Alaska berths will support normal shipping operations, officials said.
“Port of Alaska’s resiliency through this earthquake demonstrates the value of adhering to stringent engineering and maintenance schedules and standards," port director Steve Ribuffo said.
"Unfortunately, good maintenance slows but can’t stop corrosion, and this level of performance is not sustainable for even a few more years.”
The 60-year-old port is undergoing a modernisation and expansion programme to fix its aging infrastructure.