(JUNEAU) - Representative Vic Kohring (R-Mat-Su), Chairman of the Legislature's Oil & Gas Committee, led a tour of BP Exploration's newest oil tanker, the "Alaskan Explorer," at downtown Juneau's waterfront early Tuesday morning. The ship's docking is the first time in Juneau's history that an oil tanker made such a port call.

Kohring and members of the Legislature's Oil & Gas Committee were invited by the ship's owner, BP Exploration, to be the first public members to set foot on the brand new, high tech, double walled, 900 foot long vessel. "I congratulate BP Exploration on a truly a magnificent piece of technology, and I'm thrilled to be a part of this historical event," said Representative Kohring.

"I'm impressed with how well constructed the ship is. It contains the latest in technology, and will enable oil to be transported in an even more efficient and environmentally safe way," Representative Kohring added.

The Alaskan Explorer will depart Juneau on Tuesday, and travel to Valdez where it will take on its first load of North Slope crude oil for transport to the West Coast.

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