Max suggested that one tanker load and a highpressure pump would be enough to test out the technique.

Since the pipeline opened on July 28, 1977, 6.83 billion barrels of oil have been shipped in 8,858 tanker loads.

I've already paid for a tanker load of this stuff, no matter what happens to it.

These trucks bring in a total of 230 tanker loads, or 11 to 12 million pounds of milk, every 24 hours, 365 days a year.

"We'll take in anywhere from 160 to 180 tanker loads of milk a day," he said.

And while an oil buyer can always purchase a tanker load from a different source, coping with a gas pipeline that stops flowing is often much harder.

The Iranians contend that Ashland failed to pay for seven tanker loads of oil; they are seeking $283 million plus interest, which comes to at least $500 million.

The first oil flowed into the pipeline on June 20, 1977 and the first tanker load departed from Valdez on August 1, 1977.

Another reason given is that during a fuel shortage he personally escorted some tanker loads of petrol to prevent them going astray.

At the time, the Iranian company was still contemplating bringing legal action against Ashland for its failure to pay $283 million for seven tanker loads of oil.