The Coast Guard today announced that it is seeking comments by Tuesday, Jan. 25 on its Port Access Route Study to evaluate safe access routes for vessel traffic movements to and from West Coast ports and places and whether a Shipping Safety Fairway and/or routing measures should be established, adjusted, or modified. The announcement noted that study recommendations may consider future rulemaking action or potential international agreements.
As to drivers for the study, the Coast Guard cited forecasted development of aquaculture farms, offshore renewable energy, commercial space ports/re-entry sites, expansion of marine sanctuaries, development of ports supporting Panamax vessels, potential LNG ports, and additional increasing commercial traffic.
