Cruise Ships in No Danger

Nov 6th, 2003

LNG Tankers Coming Into Channel Pose No Threat to Cruise Ships

If and when LNG tankers come into Port to deliver their fuel, the ship channel will be closed to other traffic while the LNG tanker is in transit. The ship channel is always closed to other ships anytime a hazardous cargo of any type is in transit.

When a cruise ship is in transit, the ship channel is closed because the ship's width makes it impossible for other vessels to pass. What’s more, cruise ships are given a priority status because they have a tight schedule to keep. When cruise ships are in transit, all other ships-including LNG tankers, are held at sea.

In most existing ports, cruise ships have to pass tankers, chemical plants, refineries, naval vessels, container docks, go under bridges and more as a normal course of business. Coming through the channel here will be no different.

There is no safety issue.