Port of Tacoma LNG Bunkering Station Gets Easement Approval from Northwest Seaport Alliance

by Ship & Bunker News Team
Thursday August 4, 2016

Commissioners of the U.S. ports of Tacoma and Seattle, through the Northwest Seaport Alliance, approved two easements Tuesday for Puget Sound Energy’s (PSE's) proposed liquefied natural gas (LNG) bunkering station, local media reports.

PSE is reported to have requested two easements, including one to accommodate pipeline on a section of land leading from the company's proposed LNG plant across the peninsula to a proposed Blair Waterway dock, and a second for a loading platform on the Blair Waterway that will be used to bunker two LNG-powered TOTE Maritime (TOTE) vessels.

"This is a critical step forward," said Tom Albro, commissioner for the Port of Seattle, adding: "LNG is a great transitional fuel."

Dennis McLerran, region 10 administrator for the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), who notes a number of cruise lines are considering switching to LNG bunkers, says that PSE's Tacoma LNG bunkering operation may give other vessel operators the opportunity to adopt LNG as well.

In July, PSE's proposed LNG plant received support from a state panel that upheld one of the project's major permits.