Regulated Navigation Areas, Safety Zones, Security Zones; Deepwater Ports in Boston Captain of the Port Zone, MA

Résumé

The Coast Guard is establishing regulated navigation areas (RNAs) and safety and security zones around the recently constructed Neptune Deepwater Port Facility, and modifying RNA and safety zone regulations for the existing Northeast Gateway Deepwater Port (NEGDWP), both of which are located in the waters of the Atlantic Ocean off the coast of Gloucester, Massachusetts. The purpose of these regulated areas is to protect vessels and mariners from the potential safety hazards associated with deepwater port operations, and to protect the liquefied natural gas carriers (LNGCs) and deepwater port infrastructure from security threats or other subversive acts. All vessels, with the exception of LNGCs and deepwater port support vessels, will be prohibited from anchoring within 1,000 meters of the submerged turret loading (STL) buoys associated with the deepwater port, and prohibited from entering waters within 500 meters of the deepwater port STL buoys or the LNGCs using them. Additionally, vessels will be prohibited from deploying equipment which could become entangled in submerged infrastructure within 1,000 meters of STL buoys.