USCG Seeks Further Analysis of Larger LNG Tankers at Elba Island Terminal
The U.S. Coast Guard has mandated that Southern LNG provide site specific analysis that addresses the use of LNG vessels larger than 148,000 m3 in order to complete a Waterway Suitability Assessment for the company’s Elba III Terminal Expansion Project. The additional information is necessary because the Sandia Report does not discuss vessel security zones and consequence ranges for the new generation of Q-max LNG tankers that are expected to reach 265,000 m3 and tank sizes of about 42,000 m3, Captain of the Port D.W. Murk said in a letter filed with FERC on July 5. He also said that without the requested analysis, the Coast Guard’s Letter of Recommendation would prohibit the use of vessels greater than 148,000 m3 at the terminal. The letter may be found here. The FERC docket for the Elba Island expansion is PF06-14.