Matson Containership Docks in Anchorage with Lubricant Leak

A Matson containership has been permitted to dock in Anchorage, Alaska after reporting a lubrication leak.

Personnel at the Coast Guard Sector Anchorage Command Center received a notification on Thursday evening that the M/V Maunalei, a 645-foot containership owned by Matson (NYSE: MATX), was leaking lubricant while transiting to the Port of Alaska.

The vessel was reportedly discharging “a biodegradable, environmentally acceptable lubricant” at a rate of approximately six gallons per hour, the Coast Guard said.

Given the low toxicity of the lubricant, the strong tidal currents and the slow release rate, the Coast Guard authorized the vessel to dock as threats to the wildlife and resources in the region were anticipated to be minimal.

“The vessel contains perishable cargo and other supplies for distribution throughout Alaska,” said Capt. Leanne Lusk, the Captain of the Port of Anchorage. “After coordinating with federal, state and local stakeholders and balancing the risk to the supply chain with the risk to the environment, I have authorized the vessel to continue its transit into Anchorage.”

Once cargo is offloaded, Matson employees have arranged for the vessel to transit to dry dock in the lower 48 to begin repairs.

AIS data from ship tracking and maritime analytics provider MarineTraffic.com showed the M/V Maunalei arrived in Anchorage on Sunday and its next destination was showing Portland, Oregon.