Security issues concerning LNG tankers and land-based facilities are covered by several governmental agencies. The US Coast Guard, who is responsible for LNG maritime movements and harbor security has issued new maritime security rules under the Maritime Transportation Security Act of 2002. The office of Pipeline Safety (OPS) and the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) have security authority over LNG storage facilities within gas utilities and some aspects of the marine terminals.
The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) approves the siting of facilities and is responsible for some security oversight of on- shore LNG marine facilities. Each agency is aware the other�s authority, but there is some question on how they divide the responsibility among themselves.
Coast Guard Responsibilities
Following September 11, 2001 the Coast Guard initiated studies of security issues with LNG tankers and land based facilities. The Coast Guard categorized LNG tankers to be a potential terrorist target, evaluating them as vulnerable and a security risk. They also compared LNG tankers to... �a boat loaded with explosives... or being commandeered and intentionally damaged.� Although the Coast Guard systematically stepped up their protection of bridges, harbors, channels, tunnels, and other vessels they increased their security on LNG tankers.
The Coast Guard suspended LNG shipments to the Everett Mass. LNG facility to review security plans and established a 24-hour patrol of Boston harbor. In 2002 the Coast Guard imposed a 1,000- yard security zone around the Kenai Ak. LNG export terminal and imposed the same restrictions around other US LNG terminals. The Coast Guard reassessed security at the Cove Point MD terminal before allowing LNG shipments to resume. This was the only security adjustment sine 1980.
The LNG shipments with the most security come into the Everett Mass.terminal. These highly visible tankers must pass through the Boston harbor in the middle of the city. The harbor is locked down while the LNG tanker transits the port with a full escort and remains shut down until the tanker is docked. A security zone is in effect around the ship while it offloads and the harbor is opened to all traffic until the ship is ready to depart.
The LNG tanker arrival date and time is known only to the Coast Guard, U.S. Navy, Federal Aviation Administration, and local emergency personnel.
