Common sense on LNG safety

I have been fascinated over the past several months by the discussions surrounding the placement of a liquefied natural gas import terminal in Maine. As president of the Marine Engineers’ Beneficial Association (MEBA), any new project that could result in new jobs for American workers is something that demands my attention. And our organization has a long and successful history with LNG that gives the MEBA a unique perspective.

I am dismayed by the amount of disinformation and fear that some opponents of LNG have been using in their arguments against siting a terminal in Maine. The arguments, on their face, sound reasonable and logical. But in reality, they paint a picture of the LNG industry that is simply not true.

At the MEBA, we are proud of the role we played in the early development of LNG transportation by ocean tank vessel. We represent thousands of U.S.-citizen marine engineers and officer on board the vessels of the American merchant marine, including hundred of members who live in Maine.

Beginning in the 1970s, MEBA officers served aboard a fleet of large U.S.-flag LNG tankers that pioneered the safe and efficient large-scale transportation of LNG, racking up a total of more than 7 million man hours of experience during our more than 20 years in the LNG industry.

With such extensive LNG experience, we understand the public concern with the safety and security issues surrounding the siting of LNG terminals.

Our experience has shown that the skill and professionalism of LNG ship officers is a key component in the safe operation of these terminals. Around the world, LNG officers are held to the highest standards of training and good seamanship.

Commercial LNG operators and public safety authorities recognize that LNG presents uniquely high-risk and sensitive safety and security considerations for the public at large, and they have adapted their standards and procedures to reflect that.

LNG requires special safety systems and special procedures to ensure that it is properly loaded, transported and off-loaded. These systems have continually evolved to ensure that the transportation of LNG and its delivery to homes and businesses is conducted in the safest manner possible.

No one is more aware of the damage an accident or incident could inflict than those who work with it on a daily basis. The possibility of an accident or a terrorist incident represents a nightmare scenario that everyone involved in this industry has worked hard to guard against. And it has manifested itself in the outstanding safety record the industry enjoys today.

No one in this debate is claiming that LNG is not a hazardous material, or that it can be treated like any other cargo that enters our ports. Hazardous materials are transported safely on our roads, in the air and on the sea every day. To argue that LNG is more dangerous or more likely to result in accidents or loss of life is an exaggeration that has no basis in fact.

The LNG industry has proven by its excellent safety record – a safety record that has no equal in the maritime industry – that the transportation and importation of LNG can be done safely and securely, and in economically viable way.

The usage of LNG and the desire for its availability to American consumers has been steadily increasing over the last decade, and it is expected to increase continually in the future. To miss out on this opportunity because of exaggeration and mischaracterization would be unfortunate.

It is important that the facts about LNG reach the public, and not merely the biased views of the opponents of LNG who prey on fear and lack of in-depth knowledge to push their own personal agendas.

Maine has an opportunity now that could result in new jobs and economic prosperity. There are about 40 serious proposals for LNG terminals pending across the United States right now. This opportunity may not always be available – so the time to act is right now. If we close the door on this opportunity because of overstated fears, we may never hear it knock again.

Ron Davis has served as a marine officer on a number of U.S.-flag merchant vessels and currently serves as president of the Marine Engineers’ Beneficial Association.