MarAd: Steer clear of stricken Japan nuclear plant

MarAd: Steer clear of stricken Japan nuclear plant    The U.S. Maritime Administration said Thursday that ships should keep 50 miles offshore from the crippled nuclear power station in Fukushima.
   The advisory was posted on the Web site of Maritime Consultant and attorney Dennis L. Bryant.
   “Mariners are advised that this recommendation should be considered a minimum distance from the Fukushima nuclear power plant should be avoided. Prudent trackline planning should incorporate current wind and weather conditions,” the MarAd advisory said.
   Maersk said Thursday it was telling its ships to keep at least 18 miles from the plant, but spokesman Michael Storgaard said that advice would change based on new information and weather conditions such as wind. He said Maersk ships did not call at ports in the region, but might come near the area during transpacific transits.
   Maersk did not call ports in the area that has been damaged by the tsunami, but he said Maersk did interline with feeder ships calling at some ports in the region.