In a significant move to enhance maritime safety and environmental protection, the Washington State Department of Ecology has introduced a new regulation expanding tug escort requirements for oil tankers navigating Puget Sound. This rule mandates additional tug escorts on larger vessels and during challenging weather conditions, aiming to drastically reduce the risk of oil spills in these ecologically sensitive waters. By increasing oversight and support during tanker transit, the state seeks to minimize potential environmental disasters that could impact marine wildlife, local communities, and the region’s economy.

The updated regulation includes several key provisions designed to bolster spill prevention efforts:

  • Expanded tug escort zones covering high-traffic and ecologically vulnerable segments of Puget Sound
  • Mandatory use of…