Coast Guard report reiterates LNG shipping suitable for local waterways

Posted on 05 September 2010 Tags: Coast Guard &bull commercial shipping &bull lng shipping &bull recreational boating

In 2009, Congress passed legislation requiring the United States Coast Guard to evaluate the potential navigational safety and security impacts to vessel traffic for both recreational and commercial waterways users associated with Weaver’s Cove’s LNG project. The Coast Guard recently completed and published its report entitled “Impact of Fall River, MA Liquefied Natural Gas Facility on Recreational and Commercial Waterways Users Fiscal Year 2010 Report to Congress June 25, 2010 United.”

In preparing its report, the Coast Guard reviewed and analyzed six studies, including studies prepared by the Rhode Island Turnpike and Bridge Authority and the Aquidneck Island Planning Commission. Commenting on the six studies the Coast Guard concluded:

“. . . that vessel traffic (especially commercial vessel traffic) in Narragansett Bay and Mount Hope Bay is relatively light, with a brief period in the summer months of increased recreational boating traffic concentrated in lower Narragansett Bay.”

Commenting on the impact of the Weaver’s Cove LNG project on waterway users, the report concludes that:

“The Coast Guard’s current vessel traffic management practices, combined with recommendations included in the Coast Guard’s LOR to FERC regarding the Weaver’s Cove Energy LLC proposal, will help to allow both bays to remain safe for users while minimizing adverse impacts to other vessel traffic should the proposed waterfront facility and offshore berth be fully approved and constructed.“

This report, which was required by the Department of Homeland Security Appropriations Act, 2010, reinforces the fact that recreational users can successfully co-exist with commercial shipping traffic in Narragansett Bay, as has been the case for decades, even with ships requiring the same safety and security protocols as LNG tankers.

Weaver’s Cove remains committed to avoid the bay during peak recreational periods by limiting vessel movement during summer weekends and holidays. In fact, most LNG deliveries to the Weaver’s Cove terminal will occur during the winter months when gas demand is highest and recreational boating and other uses are virtually non-existent.