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Proposed OceanWay LNG project moves ahead
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The proposed OceanWay project to transport liquefied natural gas to California took a step forward in September when the U.S. Coast Guard and the City of Los Angeles determined that the Woodside Natural Gas application for a license to operate an offshore facility met federal and state requirements to begin a full environmental assessment.
This determination initiates the public review process of the OceanWay proposal. The proposed project calls for the establishment of a deepwater port facility 28 miles off the California coast. OceanWay would use a ship-and-buoy system to deliver natural gas to California. Woodside worked with the Maritime Administration on the project and has pledged to use two U.S.-flagged LNG regasification vessels employing American officers and crew. "This announcement is great news for OceanWay and California consumers," said Woodside Natural Gas President Steve Larsen. "We are one step closer to the day when OceanWay can deliver clean, affordable natural gas to California consumers." When the project and the commitment to using U.S.-flagged vessels were announced July 30, Woodside representatives were joined by Maritime Administrator Sean Connaughton and representatives of maritime labor, including American Maritime Officers. Woodside Natural Gas has not yet determined whether the company will operate the U.S.-flagged LNG newbuilds directly or charter them to an established U.S.-flagged merchant vessel operator. "We are dedicated to the highest level of safety and security for our project, and U.S. flagging is consistent with that commitment," Larsen said. AMO is the only U.S. merchant marine officers' union with current LNG tanker employment. The AMO Safety and Education Plan's RTM STAR Center is the only U.S. training center with a U.S. Coast Guard approved LNG training program certified to Society of International Gas Tanker and Terminal Operators standards. |
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