Suez Official Says Vessel Speed Limit May Impact LNG Shipments
Posted on Aug 15, 2006 in Vessel Transportation | Comments Off on Suez Official Says Vessel Speed Limit May Impact LNG Shipments
A proposal by the National Marine Fisheries Service to reduce the speed limit to 10 knots for vessels transiting near portions of the East Coast inhabited by North Atlantic right whales may negatively impact LNG shipments, according to Joseph McKechnie, vice president of shipping for Suez LNG. McKechnie favors a higher speed limit because LNG vessels are more maneuverable at greater speeds. He expressed concern that the 10-knot limit “could result in unintended consequences for vessels by taking away the master’s ability to safely maneuver his vessel.” Safeguarding whales from vessel strikes prompted the proposal to change the vessel speed limit. The Associated Press article is carried via Lexis Nexis. [Subscription required]