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Quoddy Bay's request concerning pipeline expansion turned down — Quoddy Tides, Eastport, ME
The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) has rejected a request by Quoddy Bay LNG to reconsider a February 2007 decision allowing Maritimes & Northeast Pipeline LLC to increase its mainline design capacity and accommodate imported regasified liquefied natural gas (LNG) from Canada. (Jul 27)
Webmaster's Comments: Quoddy Bay LNG wanted FERC to cut off the Canaport (Saint John, New Brunswick) natural gas supply to Boston.
Proposed pipeline discussed at meeting — Quoddy Tides, Eastport, ME
Representatives of Quoddy Bay LNG met with the Pembroke Planning Board on July 17 for an "informational session" the company requested. (Jul 27
Regulators hear pros and cons about Downeast LNG proposal — Quoddy Tides, Eastport, ME
Five days of hearings conducted by the Maine Board of Environmental Protection (BEP) concerning various aspects of Downeast LNG's proposal to build a terminal to receive liquefied natural gas (LNG) and a tank storage facility at Mill Cove in Robbinston came to an end on July 21. (Jul 27
SW La. ports' fight over LNG appears headed to court — AP, HoumaToday.com, LA
The ports of Lake Charles and West Cameron appear headed to court in their dispute over whether the Port of Lake Charles can legally own the Cameron Parish site where a $750 million liquefied natural gas terminal is being built. (Jul 25)
ECO Loop offers good alternative [Opinion] — Press-Register, al.com
TORP Terminal is proposing to locate an LNG re-gas facility off the coast of Alabama that differs substantially from any other LNG projects previously proposed. The Bienville Offshore Energy Terminal would be located 63 miles offshore in 450 feet of water near the edge of the Continental Shelf. (Jul 29)
Webmaster's Comments: Offshore, away from people.
BHP Billiton to close Oxnard office; SES continues pursuit of Long Beach terminal — LNG Law Blog, Washington, DC
Natural Gas Intelligence reports that BHP Billiton will close its Oxnard, Calif., office by the end of July and the company has confirmed that its Cabrillo Port LNG proposal is now dead.
NATS: U.S. regasfication volumes down significantly, suggesting a fundamental market shift — LNG Law Blog, Washington, DC
NATS LNG Week in Review notes that regasification volumes sent out from U.S. LNG import terminals dropped by nearly one-third in the previous week, and opines that these lower volumes mark a distinct market shift from the past several months. (Jul 30)
Woodside Natural Gas and U.S. Maritime Administration announce agreement on U.S. staffing and flagging on proposed OceanWay project [Press release] — Maritime Administration, US Department of Transportation
Placing the transportation of LNG under the control of U.S. mariners, who are subject to strenuous background checks, will add an additional layer of safety and security to our energy supply chain. At present, there are no U.S. flagged LNG vessels operating in the world, with the last U.S. flag LNG vessels leaving the United States registry in 1999. (Jul 30)
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Saint John activists file suit to halt pipeline — The Globe and Mail, Toronto, ON
The group Friends of Rockwood Park said that the proposed route of the Brunswick Pipeline, carrying [natural gas], could devastate the huge park, which is located in the generally poorer north end. (Jul 26)
Webmaster's Comments: This appears to be another violation of environmental justice — abusing poorer populations for the benefit of rich enterprises.
Hot water: Could the new LNG pipeline stir up old radioactive waste? — TownOnline.com
During the ’40s and ’50s, radioactive waste from different sources, including a small company in Beverly that processed uranium for the first atomic bombs, was dumped in Massachusetts Bay. No one seems to know exactly what or how much radioactive junk was tossed overboard, but some suggest it could be tens of thousands of barrels and concrete containers. And it’s down there on the ocean floor in the company of lots of other containers of industrial chemicals and waste that were dropped off at the Massachusetts Bay Industrial Waste Site, which has affectionately come to be known as the “foul area.” (Jul 27)
Congressmen tour LNG tanker proposed route — The Jamestown Press, Jamestown, RI
America has five operating LNG installations, and 23 approved plans, including Fall River. Of the 23 plans approved by the Federal Energy Regulation Commission (FERC), four also have been approved by the Coast Guard, including two offshore of Boston. There are also 17 pending plans, including six off-shore proposals, as of May, according to FERC.
According to industry sources, at least 11 LNG plans have been cancelled in the past few years because of various marketing and regulatory decisions. [Bold emphasis added.] (Jul 26)
Webmaster's Comments: Simply put, like the 11 cancelled LNG projects, the Downeast LNG and Quoddy Bay LNG projects are unneeded.
Lawmakers ride planned LNG route — The Providence Journal, Providence, RI
The boat first went north on the Taunton River, where Nash, along with Coast Guard Rear Admiral Timothy Sullivan, explained the complicated maneuvers that an LNG tanker would have to make to pass under the old Brightman Street Bridge and then the new bridge a few hundred yards away. (Jul 24)
LNG terminal go-ahead rests with cost cuts, PetroCan says — Financial Post, Dons Mills, ON
CALGARY — Costs of Petro-Canada's proposed liquefied natural-gas terminal on the St. Lawrence River [at Gros Cacouna], which have soared 50% to about $1-billion, must come down before the project can proceed, Ron Brenneman, president and chief executive, warned yesterday.
A critical piece of the development involves securing supplies of liquefied natural gas, and Mr. Brenneman said Petro-Canada continues to make progress in discussions with Russian gas giant AOA Gazprom to forge a supply agreement.
He said Petro-Canada is one of four contenders vying to win one of two spots that Gazprom has made available for participation in a multi-billion-dollar liquefaction plant north of St. Petersburg.
In December, Alexander Medvedev, Gazprom deputy chairman, said Gazprom may take an equity stake in the Gros Cacouna terminal if Petro-Canada wins a role in the liquefaction plant consortium. (Jul 27)
A new LNG proposal stirring up heated debate — WKRG-TV, Foley, AL
TORP Terminal wants to build an offshore LNG terminal about 63 miles South of Fort Morgan. (Jul 25)
Federal agency orders one-fourth of LNG tanker crew members to be U.S. citizens — WHDN-TV, Boston, MA
BOSTON -- The federal maritime agency has ordered one quarter of crew members on liquefied natural gas tankers docking at two proposed offshore terminal in Massachusetts Bay to be American citizens, according to a report published Saturday. (Jun 16)
Sakhalin II pipeline suspended — The Moscow News, Moscow, Russia
"According to findings, the project operator has deviated from design-stipulated requirements on the drainage system at a tectonic fracture for the Sakhalin II project to develop the Piltun-Astokhskoye and Lun skoye fields," said Lidia Vostretsova, chief inspector at the local branch of the Federal Environmental, Engi neer ing and Nuclear Supervision Agency.
Vostretsova said the operator was using the wrong kind of pipes and violating pipe-laying procedures. She said construction would be suspended until the operator rectified the violations. (Jul 26)
Webmaster's Comments: Energy company developers and FERC like to tell the public that energy companies don't want accidents, so they'll build and operate their facilities safely. The above story is another example of how wrong FERC and devlopers can be.
UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS)
Webmaster's Comments: The "United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea" (UNCLOS) is being covered on the Save Passamaquoddy Bay website, since LNG proponents claim that LNG ships transiting to their proposeed terminals would have rights under that treaty. The US is not a party to the treaty — and has repeatedly refused to ratify it in the past — but is again considering ratifying it.
Gas and glory fuel race for the pole — The Moscow Times, Moscow, Russia
"The Arctic is ours and we should demonstrate our presence," said Chilingarov, a Duma deputy speaker who heads the country's Association of Polar Explorers. (Jul 27)
Neo-know-nothings? Law of the Sea supporter casts civility adrift — National Center for Public Policy Research, Washington, DC
By the very definition of "plenty," there isn't "plenty of support" for the Law of the Sea treaty, because there hasn't been enough to get it approved. (Jul 26)
Russia hopes to win back the North Pole — Russian News & Information Agency, Moscow, Russia
Needless to say, other claimants to Arctic riches are worried about the Russian bid. The United States is particularly concerned. Time magazine recently accused Russia of intending to annex the North Pole. Somewhat earlier, Senator Richard Lugar, R-Indiana, deputy head of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, made a statement encouraging the Senate to ratify the Law of the Sea Convention to prevent Russia from pressing its claims to oil- and gas-rich regions without the United States at the negotiating table. (Jul 25)
White House pushes to ratify Law of Sea Treaty; conservative groups resist — Associated Content, Denver, CO
Whether or not the treaty will ultimately be ratified is still very much up in the air. The backgrounder quotes Don Kraus of Citizens for Global Solutions, an advocacy group based in the United States, as saying, "if the Senate doesn't act on ratification before the summer recess [in August], it may miss the golden opportunity to address the increasing fragility of the oceans." (Jul 23)
Under the terms of the treaty, the legality of seizures made by Coast Guard and Navy ships would be subject to the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea, based in Hamburg, Germany, and a five-person international arbitration panel. The United States and the flag state of the seized vessel would have input in selecting some of the arbitrators. However, Goldsmith and Rabkin write that the U.N. secretary general or the president of the Hamburg tribunal would select the key fifth representative. This system, they argue, “would pose awkward questions to the United States about the evidence behind a seizure, how we gathered it and who vouches for the information.”
The Senate Foreign Relations Committee will hold a hearing on the treaty sometime this fall. Ratification of the agreement requires a two-thirds vote in the Senate. (Jul 18)
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FERC warns of delay for LNG developers — Bangor Daily News, Bangor, ME
On Friday, FERC underscored the importance of that earler [US Coast Guard] letter by pointing out that the agency cannot complete its draft environmental impact statements of the two projects — proposed for Robbinston and Pleasant Point — without the Coast Guard's suitability report.
Furthermore, FERC said it couldn't begin the notification process for its environmental review schedule until all of the information is received. [Emphasis added.]
Webmaster's Comments: As with several past LNG stories, the Bangor Daily News apparently doesn't think this story is of readers' interest, and so hasn't been posted on their website. There is no online story. The story can be found on page C7 (in the State section) of the July 28–29 weekend edition of that newspaper.
Law professor: Canada can block tankers from Head Harbour — Saint Croix Courier, St. Stephen, NB
Van Dyke says Canada's claim that the waters of the Bay of Fundy, which include Head Harbour Passage, are the internal waters of Canada is supported by the United Nations Law of the Sea Convention. (Jul 17)
NB fishermen get limited voice at LNG hearings — Saint Croix Courier, St. Stephen, NB
'There is no place for us to show our concerns,' says Fundy fishing rep. (Jul 27)
St. Andrews pleads for help in LNG fight — Saint Croix Courier, St. Stephen, NB
"This affects not just St. Andrews. It affects everybody on the Passamaquoddy Bay." (Jul 17)
LNG foes say cheese — Saint Croix Courier, St. Stephen, NB
St. Andrews residents are being urged to make sure they "get in the picture" on New Brunswick Day and show their support for the town's fight against liquefied natural gas (LNG) in Passamaquoddy Bay. (Jul 27)
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Down East: LNG discussions wrap up — Bangor Daily News, Bangor, ME
"Our strong expert testimony and the realities of the areas themselves — the fishery, wildlife, a growing eco-economy and natural beauty — made a proud statement," said Linda Godfrey, spokeswoman for Save Passamaquoddy Bay. "It was a long five-day process, yet the members of Save Passamaquoddy Bay came away from the hearing more dedicated than ever."
Canadian impact ignored at Maine LNG hearings — Telegraph-Journal, Saint John, NB
"There is no mechanism for Canadians to be heard even though we are going to be impacted," said Recchia. "We have no assessment because it's a U.S. project on U.S. land, but ships have to go through Canadian waters and the impact to Canadian fishermen could be worse than Maine."
Canadian fishermen are worried the tankers travelling to the LNG will cut their traps free, costing them in lost equipment. Also, the tankers require a safety zone around them meaning the fisherman would have to leave the area for hours or even days, costing them valuable fishing time. (Jul 21)
Webmaster's Comments: And yet, Maine is suing Midwestern states for air pollution that is harming Maine's environment.
More general public testimony at BEP hearing on Downeast LNG — WQDY-FM, Calais, ME
Janice Harvey of St. Andrews, New Brunswick, a co-chair of Save Passamaquoddy Bay-Canada said, "we believe LNG to be heavy industry and it introduces an inappropriate industry to this area. Nobody wants this area to become the Portland Harbor or Saint John Harbor. (Jul 20)
Webmaster's Comments: The above link leads to WQDY's home page, since their story's provided link is not working properly. Eventually, this story will be rotated to a separate page on the WQDY website.
BEP holds public hearing on Downeast LNG in Robbinston — WQDY-FM, Calais, ME
Members of the Board of Environmental Protection [BEP] held a public hearing in Robbinston Tuesday night to hear testimony on the Downeast LNG import terminal proposed for Mill Cove. (Jul 19)
Webmaster's Comments: The above link leads to WQDY's home page, since their story's provided link is not working properly. Eventually, this story will be rotated to a separate page on the WQDY website.
Law professor says Canada can block tankers from Head Harbour — WQDY-FM, Calais, ME
Van Dyke says Canada's claim that the waters of the Bay Fundy, which include Head Harbour Passage, are the internal waters of Canada is supported by the United Nations Law of the Sea Convention. (Jul 18)
Webmaster's Comments: The above link leads to WQDY's home page, since their story's provided link is not working properly. Eventually, this story will be rotated to a separate page on the WQDY website.
Canada's anti LNG stance holding up Coast Guard assessment — WQDY-FM, Calais, ME
"At this point, we hold the view that the applicant has not complied with 18 CFR 157.21 (a) (2) (ii)." (Jul 14)
Webmaster's Comments: The above link leads to WQDY's home page, since their story's provided link is not working properly. Eventually, this story will be rotated to a separate page on the WQDY website.
Different recollections of meeting on Calais LNG proposal — WQDY-FM, Calais, ME
In a telephone interview Wednesday, Craig told WQDY that [Calais LNG Project Manager Ian Emery. Emery, R-Cutler, State Representative for District 32] allegedly told him "to keep up the heat on Quoddy Bay LNG and Downeast LNG." (Jul 12)
Webmaster's Comments: The above link leads to WQDY's home page, since their story's provided link is not working properly. Eventually, this story will be rotated to a separate page on the WQDY website.
$1B natural gas port in Gulf to be detailed — Bradenton Herald, Bradenton, FL
Port Dolphin Energy LLC, a subsidiary of Hoegh LNG based in Oslo, is proposing the port, which would convert liquid fuel to gas aboard tankers through heating. The gas would then be sent to shore through a 42-mile underwater pipeline. (Jul 21)
Webmaster's Comments: Another offshore LNG terminal — safely away from people.
Labor groups endorse LNG terminal — The Daily News, Longview, WA
The Washington Machinist's Council and the Oregon Machinists Council passed separate resolutions supporting construction of the $600 million [Bradwood Landing] terminal, NorthernStar said.
Congressman Brian Baird came out against the terminal in March. Washington Sen. Brian Hatfield and Reps. Dean Takko and Brian Blake also have spoken out against the terminal. (Jul 21)
Webmaster's Comments: How well does this proposed terminal fit the world-class LNG-industry standards on LNG terminal siting, as published by SIGTTO? What proponents and regulators have made that comparison?
"Lights out: The electricity crisis, the global economy and what it means to you" [Book review] — The Ledger, Lakeland, FL
In energy industry parlance, LNG is short for liquefied natural gas. In the view of electricity production and delivery expert Jason Makansi, those letters should stand for "let's not go" there.
…the overriding reason for curtailing or limiting LNG imports is the geopolitical factor, he says, noting that the largest reserves of it are in the Middle East and Russia. If we must depend heavily on natural gas for electricity production, he argues, we should exploit our own substantial reserves. (Jul 22)
Natural gas hits seven-month low on mild weather and high supplies — Investors.com
In recent news, the Independence Hub, the deepest offshore production platform ever installed, began shipping natural gas from the Gulf of Mexico last week with an initial flow rate of 50 million cubic feet per day. Independence is expected to ramp up to as much as 1 billion cubic feet daily later this year.
If weekly inventory gains through October match the five-year average pace, storage will begin next heating season at an all-time high of 3.61 tcf.
Webmaster's Comments: Two observations:
- The Independence Hub's new 1bcfd of natural gas boosts domestic output, reducing the need for imported LNG.
- An "all-time high" in natural gas storage counters the argument that natural gas consumption is growing rapidly.
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FERC denies Quoddy Bay LNG's request for rehearing — LNG Law Blog, Washington, DC
FERC rejected Quoddy Bay's argument that its approval of the expansion of the Maritimes& Northeast Pipeline should be conditioned on Canada's allowing LNG carriers to transit through the Head Harbour Passage. [Red and bold emphasis added.] (Jul 20)
Webmaster's Comments: Quoddy Bay LNG had demanded that FERC cut off the natural gas supply to Boston, since Quoddy Bay LNG couldn't get what they wanted from Canada. By making that demand, Quoddy Bay LNG has shown the world exactly what kind of thoughtless, ruthless people they are, and that their motives are driven by greed at any cost to others. FERC made the proper decision.
Canadian fisherman testifies before Maine environmental panel — LNG Law Blog, Washington, DC
Laurence Cook, a Canadian lobsterman, testified against the Downeast LNG proposal this week before the Maine Board of Environmental Protection, stating that lobstermen would be negatively impacted by LNG tanker traffic and that the proposed terminal would by located in a lobster nursery area. (Jul 20)
Fishing top issue at LNG hearing — Bangor Daily News, Bangor, ME
Lobstermen serving on the panel — organized by Save Passamaquoddy Bay, a group opposed to Downeast LNG’s proposal — said the large ships and accompanying tugboats would inevitably snag strings of lobster pots worth hundreds, perhaps thousands, of dollars.
[Passamaquoddy] panelists called the 3,800-foot pier into Mill Cove and massive tankers a violation and an assault on tribal culture and spirituality. Several members also predicted the facility will harm such Passamaquoddy traditions as subsistence fishing and an annual canoe trip meant to re-unite tribal communities while honoring ancestors.
Cliff Goudey, a naval architect and marine engineer who is now a researcher of marine issues at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, pointed out spots around passage points where the massive tankers could become grounded. (Jul 20)
Opponents lay out concerns about LNG plant proposal — Bangor Daily News, Bangor, ME
During more than nine hours of testimony to state regulators, several panels of researchers and biologists detailed potential habitat loss, disrupted migration routes, and other environmental problems if Downeast LNG is permitted to build a liquefied natural gas facility in the Mill Cove area of South Robbinston.
"The burden of proof has to be on the applicant in showing that this activity would have no effect rather than assuming it will have no effect [on the lobster population]," Steneck said
Lotze, who is the research chairwoman of marine renewable resources at Dalhousie University in Halifax, Nova Scotia, described Passamaquoddy Bay as a "hot spot of species abundance and diversity". (Jul 19)
Utility on notice over Saco gas leak — MaineToday.com
Maine Public Utilities Commission investigators have concluded that Northern Utilities could have prevented a pressure surge in its gas lines that caused two fires and the overnight evacuation of 300 Saco residents in April.
The gas leaks that broke out first were reported early in the morning of April 6 when a resident of The Ledges apartment complex off Stockman Avenue noticed that gas was flowing freely from a pipe outside the building. Over the next hour and a half, another gas leak broke out at Sweetser's residential school on Moody Street, and gas-fueled fires erupted on outside walls
near gas pipes at The Ledges and a condominium complex on Ocean Park Road. (Jul 17)
Webmaster's Comments: This incident knocks holes in the LNG industry's argument that gas-related companies don't want accidents, so they'll operate safely.
LNG ports could have big impact on local economy, companies say — Gloucester Daily Times, Gloucester, MA
Excelerate Energy has begun constructing its Northeast Gateway deepwater port 12 miles out to sea from Salem. (Jul 19)
Webmaster's Comments: Offshore, away from people.
Legal fights over LNG help delay process — Dundalk Eagle, Dundalk, MD
“We know that this is a long legal battle,” county spokesman Don Mohler said Tuesday. “We will do whatever it takes to preserve the safety of Dundalk, the Chesapeake Bay and the surrounding neighborhoods.” (Jul 19)
Ruppersberger wants company to withdraw LNG plant application — The Baltimore Sun, Baltimore, MD
In a letter sent [July 17] to the chairman of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, which decides where LNG facilities can be located, Ruppersberger wrote that the National Gas Act places a strong emphasis on protecting coastal areas. (Jul 18)
Say no to LNG [Letter to the editor] — The Daily Astorian, Astoria, OR
Perhaps the interest is plain and simple: money. (Jul 20)
Center for LNG: California bill seeking LNG study is redundant and wasteful [Press release] — eMediaWire.com
Washington, D.C. (PRWEB) July 20, 2007 -- The Center for Liquefied Natural Gas (CLNG) today urged California's state legislators to oppose a bill that would require the California Energy Commission to undertake an additional study of the need for LNG in California. SB 412 attempts to supersede federal authority by preempting an already existing rigorous approval process for building liquefied natural gas (LNG) terminals in California. (Jul 18)
Webmaster's Comments: This is a press release from a natural gas lobbying organization. Enough said.
Russia’s Arctic claim — ComingAnarchy.com
The US, having access to the Arctic via Alaska, would probably fare better under the Russian proposal, but so far the United States is the only interested party not to advocate any proposal. Why? The US Congress has so far delayed ratification of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, which governs all claims on territorial water, because there is a ten-year deadline for claiming new areas of the sea as territorial waters once the treaty is ratified. (Jul 21)
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Coast Guard seeks more LNG data — Bangor Daily News, Bangor, ME
"Until the Coast Guard obtains the information requested … we consider both applications incomplete and will not be able to finish and submit the Waterway Suitability Reports for either of the two projects." [Bold red emphasis added.] (Jul 13)
LNG bidder urged to quit: Officials: Fall River site not safe — Boston Herald, Boston, MA
Public safety officials in Massachusetts yesterday urged Weaver’s Cove Energy to “terminate” its plans for an LNG terminal in Fall River, calling the proposed waterfront facility a security threat and navigational nightmare. (Jun 20)
Study: LNG a $1.2B boost — Gloucester County Times, NJ
While the Bloustein School stands by its economic forecasting formula, the economists have not performed any follow-up studies to find out if their estimations for past projects were correct, Seneca said.
Other comparable private financial investments haven't created nearly the same amount of jobs that economists predict the LNG terminal would create.
Webmaster's Comments: There are two sides to a ledger sheet. Did the economic forecast take proper account of the negative economic impacts? The lack of follow-up comparing previous forecasts with actual effects demonstrates a disturbing lack of scientific procedure, casting doubt on the forecasting formula used. Also, the fact that this LNG project is by BP, considering their demonstrated lack of safety culture and willingness to pollute, is even more disturbing.
LNG study: Some impact on fisheries possible — The Press-Register, al.com
Federal scientists studying a number of such terminal proposals have concluded that all fish eggs and larvae sucked into an LNG terminal each day would be killed, resulting in the loss of billions of juvenile creatures, including young red snapper, blue crabs, shrimp, amberjack, king mackerel and nearly every other species in the Gulf. [Bold red emphasis added.] (Jul 13)
No to LNG proposal [Opinion] — The Columbian, Vancouver, WA
[O]ur fears are founded on environmental concerns over the construction and then the presence of a natural gas facility and pipeline in the delicate estuary. The Clatsop County report said that fish habitat and commercial and sport fishing could be harmed, and proposed dredging for the terminal "would adversely affect" threatened or endangered fish.
That warning - plus the fragile nature of this special place - means an LNG terminal, though suited for other parts of the country, does not belong in or near the Columbia River estuary. (Jul 1)
LNG hearings begin in marathon style — Seaside Signal, Seaside, OR
The company applied for an application to enlarge the marine industrial zone for Bradwood Landing and to allow the company to dredge more of the river than county rules currently allow. (Jul 12)
LNG? WTF? — Orange County Weekly, Santa Ana, CA
[L]ike the villain in a bad Hollywood film who refuses to die—even after being stabbed through the heart—the project simply won’t go away. (Jul 12)
Bill to require study before liquified natural gas terminals are approved moves forward in assembly — California Progress Report
The bill will also prohibit the approval of new projects by either the governor or any state or local entity until the report is completed. (Jul 10)
Indiana allows increased pollution of Lake Michigan [by BP] — The Raw Story, Washington, DC
Under BP's new state water permit, the refinery—already one of the largest polluters along the Great Lakes—can release 54 percent more ammonia and 35 percent more sludge into Lake Michigan each day. Ammonia promotes algae blooms that can kill fish, while sludge is full of concentrated heavy metals. (Jul 14)
Webmaster's Comments: This pollution — along with BP's disturbing history of safety violations and disasters — is another example of what type of "neighbor" BP is. Corporate character should be taken into consideration in BP's LNG dealings.
World's largest LNG carrier launched — ArabianBusiness.com
BP Shipping has received the British Emerald, the world's largest liquefied natural gas carrier (LNGC), the first in a series of dual-fuel diesel-electric gas ships. Built by Hyundai Heavy Industries in Ulsan, Korea, at 155,000 cubic metres she is the largest LNGC to date.
The British Emerald and her sister ships have an overall length of 288m [945 ft] and a breadth of 44.2m [145 ft]. (Jul 11)
UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS)
Webmaster's Comments: The "United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea" (UNCLOS) is being covered on the Save Passamaquoddy Bay website, since LNG proponents claim that LNG ships transiting to their proposeed terminals would have rights under that treaty. The US is not a party to the treaty, but is again considering ratifying it.
A treaty that lifts all boats [Op-ed] — New York Times, New York, NY
The treaty also provides an absolute right of passage through, over and under international straits and through archipelagoes like Indonesia. These rights — the crown jewels of the treaty — did not exist before 1982, when the Convention was concluded. Our security and economic interests are tied directly to these rights. (Jul 14)
Webmaster's Comments: The "absolute right" statement is, apparently incorrect. Even the UN seems to consider innocent passage as conditional. The recent University of New Brunswick panel on Head Harbour Passage and maritime law seemed to conclude that innocent passage is more a concept than a reality. And several countries are currently working on limiting innocent passage for hazardous cargos.
Sovereignty on ice [Editorial] — The Kingston-Whig Standard, Kingston, ON
Prime Minister Stephen Harper was proud as punch this week when he announced that the federal government would spend $7 billion on a fleet of six to eight "ice-capable corvettes" to patrol the Arctic and enforce Canada's claim to it. (Jul 13)
Canada's sovereignty over Arctic waters on thin ice — The Epoch Times International
The United States has never admitted Canada's authority over the Northwest Passage and for years the neighbours have played a game of cat and mouse over the issue with no clear victor. For example, if the U.S. sends in a vessel unannounced, Canada promptly grants unsolicited permission. In the 1988 Arctic Cooperation Agreement, the U.S. agreed that its icebreakers need Canadian approval to sail in the disputed waters; Canada agreed to always give approval. Paradoxically, the treaty also includes a clause stating that nothing in the agreement alters each government's historic stance on the issue of sovereignty. (Jul 12)
A hot race for cold oil — Chicago Tribune, Chicago, IL
Russian scientists are hard at work trying to prove that a big chunk of the Arctic Ocean -- and the billions of tons of oil underneath it -- belong to them. The U.S. could counter this claim, but it doesn't have standing to do so because this nation hasn't ratified the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea. [Bold red emphasis added.] (Jul 14)
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Canadian Minister reiterates opposition to LNG tanker traffic in Head Harbour Passage — LNG Law Blog, Washington, DC
Platts LNG Daily reports that Canadian Minister for Natural Resources Gary Lunn reaffirmed Canada's opposition to LNG traffic in Head Harbour Passage, stating, "[t]he government's position to this point is that there are safety issues." If constructed, the Downeast LNG and Quoddy Bay LNG terminals proposed in Maine would require tankers to transit through Head Harbour Passage to reach the terminals. (Jun 27)
Panel gives Rabasca LNG project in Quebec preliminary approval — Platts [Registration required]
Overall, the project has "two major contentious issues" -- safety and security risks and the integration of Rabaska's port and shore facilities into the zone under development, the panel found in its report released Thursday. "These two issues have a major influence on the social acceptability of the project within the community," it added. (Jul 6)
Energy company files complaint over LNG rule — The Baltimore Sun, Baltimore, MD [Registration required]
The company that wants to build a liquefied natural gas facility on Sparrows Point has filed a complaint against Baltimore County and Maryland Critical Area Commission, contending that authorities improperly approved a county law prohibiting LNG and other such facilities from being built in environmentally sensitive coastal areas.
…Donald I. Mohler III, a county spokesman, said, "We're confident that we are on sound legal ground," adding that the proposed LNG terminal is the "wrong plant, at the wrong place, at the wrong time." (Jul 7)
US agencies issue draft EIS on proposed LNG terminal in Gulf — Platts [Registration required]
The US Maritime Administration and Coast Guard Friday released a draft environmental impact statement on Norwegian developer Torp's proposal to build a 1.4 Bcf/d liquefied natural gas terminal 63 miles off the coast of Alabama in the Gulf of Mexico. (Jul 6)
Webmaster's Comments: Offshore, safely away from people.
Alaska Labor Dept says eyes safety concerns over BP gas plant — Platts [Registration required]
Bishop said the letter from "Miller identified four areas of concern for workplace safety and health associated with BP's operation of the Prudhoe Bay field."
The inspection included an evaluation of the fire suppression systems and the proximity of the break room in Skid 7 to the potential blast zone, one of the concerns raised by Miller. "However, the inspection is not complete, so the details are not yet available for release," Bishop said. (Jul 5)
Webmaster's Comments: BP safety concerns, again.
US LNG: consumption on the increase — Energy Business Review, London, UK
US LNG use is growing rapidly, which will lead to increased competition and converging LNG prices.
Although LNG currently makes up less than 1% of the total US fuel mix, consumption is increasing rapidly. Furthermore, increasing capacity investment and favorable regulation will further fuel growth, ultimately contributing to the US's emergence as the main LNG market in the Atlantic Basin. This will lead to greater competition and an eventual convergence of LNG prices in the Atlantic Basin. (Jul 6)
Webmaster's Comments: And yet, the US has more natural gas in storage than normal.
US House to debate resolution opposing OPEC-like gas cartel — Platts [Registration required]
Ros-Lehtinen added that if a gas cartel were formed, it would be "a permanent threat to the world's energy security."
The congresswoman's warning came after Russian media reported that Russia, Iran, Qatar, Venezuela and Algeria had reached an agreement to set up a natural gas export group similar to OPEC.
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Local areas will be in thermal hazard zones of passing ships — Saint Croix Courier, St. Stephen, NB
The three [hazard] zones encompass virtually all of Eastport; all of Pleasant Point Passamaquoddy Reservation; and large portions of Campobello, Deer Island, Perry, Robbinston, all of downtown and a major portion of the residential area of St. Andrews.
Controversial passage: Eastport ship's pilot navigates proposed LNG route — Bangor Daily News, Bangor, ME
Until a few years ago, not many people were interested in the passage located between Campobello and Deer islands in New Brunswick, other than fishermen and recreational boaters.
Webmaster's Comments: The above statement is incorrect. During the 1970s, the same issue came to a head regarding the Pittston proposal to build an oil refinery in Eastport. That would have required large oil tankers to transit Head Harbour Passage. Similar objections were made at that time by Canada as are being made now, and that project failed to be built.
BEP faces tough issues, prepares for LNG hearings — Bangor Daily News, Bangor, ME
[T]wo BEP members — Wing Goodale and Ernest Hilton — sided with Kreisman.
"I was struck by the fact that if this were all happening within the state of Maine, none of this would be a question," Goodale said. "I hate to make decisions based on political boundaries.
MARAD releases draft Environmental Impact Statement for Bienville Offshore Energy Terminal — LNG Law Blog, Washington, DC
MARAD announced in today's Federal Register that the Draft Environmental Impact Statement for TORP Terminal LP's Bienville Offshore Energy Terminal (BOET) is now available for public comment under docket 24644.…BOET [is proposed to] be located approximately 60 miles south of Mobile in the Gulf of Mexico.
Webmaster's Comments: Another offshore LNG terminal, safely away from people.
UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS)
Webmaster's Comments: The "United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea" (UNCLOS) is being covered on the Save Passamaquoddy Bay website, since LNG proponents claim that LNG ships transiting to their proposeed terminals would have rights under that treaty. The US is not a party to the treaty, but is again considering ratifying it.
Could Russia claim the North Pole? — New Scientist, London, UK
According to Komsomolskaya Pravda — a newspaper owned by energy and gas interests — recent acoustic scans show that the Lomonosov ridge, a 100-kilometre-wide seabed mountain range, extends from Russia's eastern Arctic coastal shelf all the way to the North Pole. Under the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea, Russia could argue that this gives it territorial rights to the pole. (Jul 7)
Treaty on the sea will hinder sovereignty of U.S., should be scuttled in Senate [Opinion] — The Mercury News, San Jose, CA
This is a major departure from the administration's usual stance toward international organizations that have the capacity to restrain U.S. sovereignty. And it comes in a surprising context, since the convention has disturbing implications for our fight against terrorists.
[I]t would put America's naval counterterrorism efforts under the control of foreign judges.
At worst they would follow the recent example of the International Court of Justice and use a legal dispute to score points against American "unilateralism" and "arrogance" for a global audience keen to humble the United States. In every case, a majority of non-American judges would decide whether the U.S. Navy can seize a ship that it believes is carrying terrorist operatives or supplies for terrorists.
…American views of the law of the sea, even on issues related to national security, could be outvoted by a majority in an international forum. How can this make us safer? (Jul 5)
Bush's base splits over sea treaty ratification: Ideological divisions deep among conservatives — The Washington Times, Washington, DC
"I'm sorry to see that the Bush administration is not being conservative and does not seem to care about its base," [Frank Gaffney, president of the Center for Security Policy] said. "The only way this treaty will be enacted is if nobody reads it." (Jul 2)
Kremlin lays claim to huge chunk of oil-rich North Pole — Guardian Unlimited, London, UK
The Law of the Sea Treaty is the world's primary means of settling disputes over exploitation rights and navigational routes in international waters. Russia and 152 other countries have ratified it.
But the US has refused, arguing it gives too much power to the UN. If the US does not ratify it, Russia's bid for the Arctic's energy wealth will go unchallenged, proponents believe. (Jun 28)
Iran oil exports at risk in UK ship sanctions plan — Reuters UK
LONDON (Reuters) — A British proposal to target Iran's national shipping lines under a draft U.N. sanctions resolution could temporarily curb Tehran's ability to export oil to world markets, maritime sources said on Tuesday.
The confidential draft, obtained by Reuters on Friday, suggests denying rights of passage to Iranian merchant ships in foreign waters. The withdrawal of landing rights for Iranian aircraft is also suggested. (Jun 26)
Webmaster's Comments: Apparently, even the UN doesn't regard the innocent passage provision of the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea as sacred.
Experts differ over wisdom of joining sea treaty — Cybercast News Service, Alexandria, VA
Critics say this runs contrary to free-market principles, and some worry that the ISA will become yet another bloated U.N. bureaucracy. There is also concern about where the revenue may end up. (Jun 25)
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