Petro Skimmer (oil Recovery Vessel)

A new type of vessel came on the scene in 1973: the oil recovery vessel, which was the result of society's growing concern for the environment. The first of a series of such craft designed and built by MARCO, the Petro Skimmer, was delivered on Puget Sound to Marine Oil Pickup Services, Inc. This 40-foot all-aluminum catamaran is outfitted with a continuous three-foot-wide oil pickup belt between the twin hulls. The belt is made of a unique filter material that retains oil but allows water to pass through freely. MARCO has subsequently developed a series of different sized oil recovery vessels which have gained wide acceptance. Gordon Newell, Maritime Events of 1973, H. W. McCurdy Marine History of the Pacific Northwest 1966 to 1975., p.143.

Citation: Tacoma Public Library