Coast Guard looking for comments on policy letters on use of LNG as marine fuel

U.S. Coast Guard recently sought public comment for two finalized policy letters providing guidance for the use of LNG as marine fuel. 

According to the Coast Guard notice the first policy letter provides voluntary guidance for liquefied natural gas fuel transfer operations on vessels using natural gas as fuel in U.S. waters, and training of personnel on those vessels. It recommends transfer and personnel training measures that we believe will achieve a level of safety that is at least equivalent to that provided for traditional fueled vessels. It applies to vessels equipped to receive LNG for use as fuel, but not to vessels regulated as LNG carriers that utilize boil-off gas as fuel.

The second policy letter discusses voluntary guidance and existing regulations applicable to vessels and waterfront facilities conducting LNG marine fuel transfer (bunkering) operations. The second policy letter provides voluntary guidance on safety, security, and risk assessment measures we believe will enhance safe LNG bunkering operations.

On February 7, 2014, the Coast Guard published two draft policy letters, requesting comments, that recommended the transfer procedures and other operating guidelines for vessels and waterfront facilities providing LNG to vessels for use as fuel and for vessels operating in U.S. waters that will be fueled with natural gas that will be stored onboard as LNG.

The Coast Guard received 27 letters from the public containing a combined total of 185 individual comments and is now seeking comments on the final policy letters.

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Image: USCG