U.S. Coast Guard Indicates Additional Security Measures Needed for Sparrows Point LNG Marine Transit
The Baltimore Sun reports that the U.S. Coast Guard’s Waterway Suitability Report concludes that additional security measures are necessary to protect LNG tankers transiting to the Sparrows Point LNG terminal proposed by AES Corp. The assessment noted that the waterway could “be made suitable” with increased security resources, including armed escorts, security patrols, and periodic inspections by divers. Several elected officials expressed skepticism that the proper security measures could be put in place, but Sparrows Point LNG project manager Kent Morton expressed confidence that the company will be able to satisfy the Coast Guard requirements. The Sun also reports that FERC expects to issue its Draft Environmental Impact Statement on the project in April and a final decision in November.
[Editor’s Note: This post was edited following publication.]