The Coast Guard has issued a notice in the Federal Register that it will review Washington State Ferries’ (WSF) proposal to use liquified natural gas (LNG) as a marine fuel for six Issaquah-class ferries.
In June 2014, WSF submitted a letter of intent and waterway sustainability assessment to the Coast Guard. Coast Guard Sector Puget Sound has solicited public comments on the issue during the past year to inform a recommendation on the suitability of the relevant state waterways for LNG traffic as related to safety and security.
The Coast guard is reviewing comments on topics including cost and funding of conversion, design of the converted ferries, pollution, security, regulatory guidance, and concerns about the provided waterway sustainability assessment.
A letter of recommendation will be issued by the Captain of the Port, Coast Guard Sector Puget Sound to the Washington Department of Transportation on their findings. Following receipt of that letter, WSF can seek legislative approval and funding to move forward on the conversion of the Issaquah-class vessels.
