WORKBOAT MARKETSFuture LNG Exports to Impact Traf? Future LNG Exports to Impact Traf? c, c,Tug RequirementsTug RequirementsWorkboat requirements will soar as heightened safety requirements for LNG transit demand tighter oversight.By Susan Buchanan he Louisiana Gulf is gearing up to export lique- from nuclear power), China (slowly weaning from heavy ? ed natural gas from Sabine Pass and Lake Charles use of coal), other Asian nations, Europe and Latin Amer-Tin the state’s southwest and Plaquemines Parish in ica are thirsty for it. The ongoing dispute between Russia, the southeast. Over the next ? ve years, as LNG import Ukraine and the EU also hold out possibilities for more terminals begin exporting and new terminals are built, outlets for U.S. LNG exports.more tugs and channel pilots will be needed, industry ex- perts said last month. A convoy system will be employed Calcasieu Shipping Channel Revs Up For to handle outgoing and incoming tankers. Safety rules for More Vesselsthe region’s waterways are also almost certain to be revised. “Calcasieu River channel traf? c – including LNG tank-The nation’s only LNG export terminal is run by Con- ers, oil tankers and tugs – is expected to double by the ocoPhillips in Kenai, Alaska. But that’s about to change. year 2025,” Stephen Broussard, Director of West Cameron Cheniere’s Sabine Pass LNG facility in Cameron Parish Port, said last month. The channel runs from mile-marker should be Louisiana’s ? rst exporter, starting in late 2015. zero at the Calcasieu jetties up 52 miles to Lake Charles, Natural gas from fracking Haynesville shale in northwest La. Broussard added, “The Federal Energy Regulatory Louisiana, the state’s pipeline network and existing LNG Commission is approving LNG projects in a process that import terminals, along with currently weak gas prices, takes more than a year. At least seven LNG export projects, have spurred ? rms to consider exports. either in the Calcasieu channel or utilizing it, are in various Just what makes LNG suitable for export? When natu- stages of planning. They are SCT&E LNG; Waller Point ral gas is chilled to minus 259 degrees Fahrenheit, or mi- LNG; Venture Global, LLC--with the latter to be called nus162 Centigrade, it becomes a liquid that’s more ef? cient Calcasieu LNG; Trunkline LNG; Magnolia LNG; Cam-to store and ship. Lique? ed natural gas is about 1/600th eron LNG and Gas? n Development.” the volume of natural gas. Buyers in Japan (moving away “In addition, Sasol is expanding and building a huge November 2014MN76 MN Nov14 Layout 66-81.indd 76 MN Nov14 Layout 66-81.indd 76 10/23/2014 10:47:56 AM10/23/2014 10:47:56 AM