SAFE SHIPPING; RESPECTFUL NAVIGATION
LNG has been transported for 60 years by sea all over the planet, where more than 135,000 shipments were made during this period. As technology is constantly evolving, there have been no significant incidents, leaks, or environmental damage reported during the past three decades of navigation. The vessels currently used to transport LNG are new, state-of-the-art and specifically designed to ensure the efficiency and safety of transporting liquefied natural gas (LNG).
- Double hull to prevent leaks
- Insulated tanks to store LNG at a temperature of -162 ° C
- LNG isolation space subject to continuous monitoring
- Equipment among the most technologically advanced
- Sophisticated systems to track the exact position of the ship
Safe shipping
As surprising as it may seem, LNG is neither explosive nor toxic. Unlike petrol or petroleum, LNG will not pollute the marine environment if it spills. In the unlikely event of an accidental spill, the LNG will float and evaporate. Since it is not transported under pressure, in the event of a leak, it will evaporate more slowly and occupy much less space than a pressurized gas such as propane.
LNG is transported in specially designed ultra-modern vessels. There are more than 550 such vessels worldwide and over a hundred are currently under construction. All have double hulls to prevent leaks and refrigerated tanks that keep LNG at a temperature of -162 ° C. The insulation space is continuously monitored to prevent leakage.
These ships are among the strongest in the world and the most technologically advanced. They have a range of sophisticated systems enabling them to know their exact position at all times and to be in constant communication with the continent. These monitoring systems make LNG maritime transport one of the most efficient means of transport in terms of safety: in more than 40 years and 100,000 journeys, no incident linked to a major LNG leak has been reported, nor any harm to the public or the environment.
Experienced pilots for increased safety
In addition to specially trained crews, certified pilots, members of the Link - Bas-Saint-Laurent Pilots Corporation, experts in the St. Lawrence Seaway and navigation on the Saguenay, will pilot the tankers during each pass. Additional support Tugs will escort the tankers during their maneuvers near the transfer dock and during their navigation in the Saguenay fjord. This support allows increased maneuverability and security.
Cohabitation between LNG vessels and other users of the Saguenay waterway is entirely possible. The waterway on the Saguenay is, in reality, wider and much deeper than the northern channel of the St. Lawrence, where an average of 25 ships circulate per day. For the Saguenay River, there is an average of less than 5 ships per week.
NARROW THE SAGUENAY RIVER, REALLY?
Navigation: an approach based on concertation and collaboration
The GNL Québec team is aware of the importance of the Saguenay Fjord as a major waterway, but also as a historic, cultural, environmental, tourist and economic gem, as well as its richness in terms of wildlife biodiversity and Marine. For this reason, GNL Québec has chosen to include stakeholders interested in maritime transport to join the advisory committee on the natural gas liquefaction complex already in place. This enlarged committee deals with issues specific to navigation in a clear and transparent manner. As a reminder, the committee is a privileged communication channel for informing stakeholders of the progress of the project and for openly discussing concerns with a view to improving the project.
The objectives of the Expanded Committee on Maritime Transport
• Discuss the issues and concerns related to navigation on the Saguenay
• Generate constructive exchanges with stakeholders in order to improve the project
• Facilitate consultation and collaboration between Saguenay users
• Facilitate the transmission of factual and verified information
Composition of the Expanded Maritime Transport Advisory Committee
• All members of the Natural Gas Liquefaction Complex Advisory Committee
• Representatives of stakeholders interested in maritime transport:
- Municipality bordering the Fjord south shore
- Fjord user
- Users of the Fjord Fjord
- Environmental Groups
- Authorities
- Water Management
- Industry and development
- Tourism
Living in harmony with nature and users: the Énergie Saguenay project will be designed in accordance with the principles of sustainable development. GNL Québec, in accordance with its values, is committed to ensuring harmonious coexistence and compatible practices between its activities and the activities that already take place in the Saguenay Fjord and in the St. Lawrence Seaway.
Full compliance with navigation measures and rules in the presence of marine mammals
• Collaboration with boaters and representatives of the recreational tourism industry
• Collaboration with other commercial users of the fjord
• Respect for the principles of sustainable development
• Adoption of an environmental commitment charter for the protection of marine mammals
A strong will to exceed the requirements
In accordance with its values and its corporate commitments, GNL Québec wishes to be a leader in its field in terms of environmental protection and in terms of commitment to its host community. GNL Québec therefore intends to submit the Saguenay Energy project to the TERMPOL review process, supervised by Transport Canada.
TERMPOL: RIGOROUS EXAMINATION OF RISKS RELATED TO SEA TRANSPORT
TERMPOL assessment process will assess:
• The safety of ships' activities in the waterway
• Safety of roads and navigation lanes
• LNG transshipment activities
• Risks
• Associated issues