Growth in the worldwide demand for natural gas is outpacing the demand for any other hydrocarbon fuel
Record high oil prices have encouraged many governments to look at other energy sources. LNG is an attractive option: it is environmentally friendly, costs are relatively stable compared to oil and a number of producers are eager to export their supplies.
Growth in the worldwide demand for natural gas is outpacing the demand for any other hydrocarbon fuel. LNG is natural gas that has been refrigerated to -260�F (-162�C) to convert it to a more easily transportable liquid. There are over 40 existing and proposed natural gas liquefaction plants around the world, with many of them looking to help feed the USA's growing need for fuel.
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On 28 November 2001, attorney general John Ashcroft said that the Bush administration received information on a possible terror attack on the US natural gas sector, but did not say if the threat was made against a specific natural gas pipeline, storage site or LNG plant. LNG tankers bound for the Massachusetts port - which has specialised docking facilities costing more than US$1bn - now require the escort of USCG vessels within 200 miles of the coast.
While the USA currently has four LNG port facilities (Massachusetts, Louisiana, Georgia and Maryland), it is the Boston facility that has generated the greatest concern because the tankers transit through the centre of the city, passing within a few hundred yards of downtown Boston and Logan International Airport. Each tanker is now escorted with a helicopter, police divers, a marine patrol, environmental police, firefighting tugs, city police boats and USCG vessels.
Dr. J.C.K.Daly/Jane's 06.Jul.04
