As a lifelong Mainer who has spent his career at sea, and 21 years sailing as a U.S. Coast Guard-licensed engineer aboard liquefied natural gas tankers, I have watched with more than passing interest the ongoing debate concerning the safety of a new LNG marine terminal. Like many debates, emotion has overtaken reason; this shouldn’t be so.

The fact is LNG can be transported safely and securely. But, with LNG there can be no shortcuts or half-measures. If we are to build an LNG terminal in Maine, we need to be assured that it is operated with safety and security as the top concern.

A key part to making sure LNG is done right is to have the right people in charge. We can’t be held at the mercy of companies that may put the profit motive above putting safety first. Part of doing things right is that we have the ships brought into Maine using American vessels with American crews.

You don’t have to be of a special nationality to sail a ship. Nothing makes Americans more innately better or safer than our counterparts from abroad. But, we do have the best training, most rigorous regulations, and the most experience in this field.

In addition, American mariners bringing LNG ships to the terminals have a track record of safety unmatched in the world.

William W. Donnini Sr.

former LNG tanker chief engineer

1968 Maine Maritime Academy graduate

South Portland