LNG tanker’s entry into San Juan Bay postponed due to high winds
By THE STAR STAFF
The entry of the LNG tanker Amur River into San Juan Bay, scheduled for 11:30 a.m. on Monday, was postponed due to wind conditions, reported New Fortress Energy (NFE).
The company had requested to move the maneuver up to take advantage of a period of more favorable weather.
According to the company, it had requested an entry window between 6 a.m. and 10 a.m. as early as Sunday, given forecasts predicting an increase in wind speed throughout the day.
NFE stated that harbor pilots scheduled the entry for 11:30 a.m. based on their availability. The schedule reviewed by the company included 10 other vessels, one of which did not require pilotage services.
Projections from the Caribbean Coastal Ocean Observing System (CARICOOS), consulted on Monday, anticipated winds of 10.55 knots at 11 a.m. and 13.31 knots at noon.
According to the operational conditions communicated to NFE, the limit applicable to the maneuver is 10 knots for sustained winds and gusts, subject also to the professional judgment of the pilot responsible for determining whether the entry can be performed safely.
Faced with those conditions, the company proposed alternatives such as moving up the entry time, reorganizing the sequence of vessels, or securing additional pilotage resources. However, the options required evaluation by the pilots and the necessary authorizations.
Coordination also involves completing procedures with U.S. Customs and Border Protection. For its part, the Coast Guard had previously confirmed in writing -- according to NFE -- that the Amur River was authorized to enter the Port of San Juan on Monday.
The delay affects the receipt of natural gas destined for units 5 and 6 of the San Juan combined-cycle power plant, as well as for temporary generation units.
NFE stated that it was in discussions with the entities responsible for pilotage and authorizations to establish a new entry window that would allow the fuel shipment to be received without compromising the safety of the maneuver.
The controversy surrounding the entry of the Amur River will also be examined during a public hearing of the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, scheduled for Oct. 19, to which NFE executives and energy sector officials have been summoned.
