Oregon LNG Completes Navigation, Docking Simulation

Oregon LNG completed a navigation and docking simulation for three liquefied natural gas (LNG) tanker sizes at the Pacific Marine Institute in Seattle, Wash. The company says the simulation demonstrates that its proposed LNG site on the Skipanon Peninsula in Warrenton, Ore., can accommodate the 148,000 cubic meter (5.2 MMcf), 216,000 cubic meter (7.6 MMcf), or Q-Flex tanker, and the 266,000 cubic meter (9.4 MMcf) Q-Max tankers.

The Oregon LNG project is undergoing permitting processes with the U.S. Coast Guard and the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission. Oregon LNG expects those permits to be issued by early 2009 and expects to begin natural gas deliveries by late 2012. Three LNG projects including Oregon LNG are proposed for construction in Oregon, with two proposed for siting near the mouth of the Columbia River and one proposed for Coos Bay, Ore. While project proponents say LNG is needed to meet natural gas demand in the Pacific Northwest, opponents such as environmental groups and local residents say the projects would have a negative impact on the local environment and present security and safety risks to local communities. Source: Energy Current