PORTLAND (AP) — A massive spill-response vessel capable of skimming and recovering 444,000 gallons of oil and water per day has been removed from service in Maine.
The Portland Press Herald reports Virginia-based Marine Spill Response Corp. confirmed the decommissioning of the Maine Responder on Monday.
Company spokeswoman Judith Roos says the decision was made because trading patterns have shifted recently, leaving the harbor with a lower risk profile. But many have pointed to declining tanker traffic from the Portland Pipe Line Corp. as the true reason for deactivating the Maine Responder.
The six crew members of the 210-foot ship, which has docked in Portland for more than 20 years, have been notified that they will lose their jobs.
Roos declined to say how much it costs to operate the Maine Responder.
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