MARINE
TRANSPORT OF LNG
An example
of the environmental management and planning challenges facing
Louisiana’s ports is the issue of maritime transport of
liquefied natural gas (LNG) along the Calcasieu Ship Channel.
A study conducted in 2003 by the LSU
Center for Energy Studies noted that LNG terminals, if built
on and off the coast of Louisiana, would inject $2.3 billion into
the state’s economy and assist the chemical industry which
has been negatively affected by high natural gas prices. The study
reports that 10 to 14 LNG plants could be built in the U.S. over
the next six to eight years, including an expansion of an existing
facility and 2-3 new terminals in the Lake Charles area. Area
residents and other users of the Calcasieu Ship Channel, however,
foresee land use conflicts and have expressed safety concerns
over development designs, navigation closures, the use of tractor
tugs and exclusion zones, among other issues.
