UPS Launches New LNG Trucking Fleet
Posted on Jun 16, 2014 in Technology, Vessel Transportation | Comments Off on UPS Launches New LNG Trucking Fleet
UPS is introducing 1,000 LNG trucks into its fleet, giving UPS the largest fleet of LNG trucks in the world. The trucks are already being introduced, and the launch is expected to be complete by the end of October. UPS Vice President Jeff Yapp told the Houston Business Journal that the fleet is like a “rolling laboratory” for UPS to continue to test LNG...
Pivotal LNG Requests FERC Ruling on LNG Terminal Definition and LNG Transportation Jurisdiction
Posted on Apr 14, 2014 in Federal Regulation, LNG Exports, Vessel Transportation | Comments Off on Pivotal LNG Requests FERC Ruling on LNG Terminal Definition and LNG Transportation Jurisdiction
Pivotal LNG has filed a petition for declaratory order with FERC seeking a ruling that existing LNG production facilities not otherwise subject to FERC’s jurisdiction under Section 3 of the Natural Gas Act would not be deemed “LNG terminal[s]” subject to Section 3 jurisdiction by virtue of producing LNG that subsequently may be transported in interstate commerce by waterborne vessel. ...
Excelerate FLSOs Not Subject to Coast Guard Vessel Jurisdiction
Posted on Mar 6, 2014 in Federal Regulation, Marine Regulation, Vessel Transportation | Comments Off on Excelerate FLSOs Not Subject to Coast Guard Vessel Jurisdiction
The U.S. Coast Guard has determined that Excelerate Liquefaction Solutions’ floating liquefaction storage and offloading units (FLSOs) proposed for the Lavaca Bay LNG terminal at the Port of Port Lavaca-Point Comfort, Texas, are not vessels subject to Coast Guard vessel certification and inspection requirements due to their configuration, intended use, and mooring arrangements...
Coast Guard Releases Draft Policy Letters on LNG Safety When Used as Ship Fuel
Posted on Feb 10, 2014 in Federal Regulation, Vessel Transportation | Comments Off on Coast Guard Releases Draft Policy Letters on LNG Safety When Used as Ship Fuel
The U.S. Coast Guard issued a notice seeking public comment on two draft policy letters regarding safety measures for LNG when used as ship fuel. The first draft policy letter provides voluntary guidance for LNG fuel transfer operations on vessels using natural gas as fuel in U.S. waters, as well as training of personnel on those vessels. It recommends transfer and personnel training...
U.S. and Japanese Officials Meet to Discuss LNG and Panama Canal Tolls
Posted on Nov 11, 2013 in LNG Exports, Vessel Transportation | Comments Off on U.S. and Japanese Officials Meet to Discuss LNG and Panama Canal Tolls
Last week, U.S. Federal Maritime Commissioner William P. Doyle met with public and private sector Japanese officials to discuss U.S. LNG exports and the tolling arrangements and cost structure for LNG tankers transiting the widened Panama Canal. In a press release, Doyle stated that “[i]t’s important that the toll structure and economics work for all parties– Panama...
GAO Releases Report on Modifying the Jones Act as Applied to Puerto Rico
Posted on Mar 21, 2013 in Vessel Transportation | Comments Off on GAO Releases Report on Modifying the Jones Act as Applied to Puerto Rico
This week, the U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO) released a report on the potential effects of modifying the Jones Act shipping law as applied to U.S. mainland trade with Puerto Rico. The report concluded that the effects would be highly uncertain and involve various policy tradeoffs, with the potential for harm to the U.S. merchant marine fleet that the Act was designed to...