GALLOWAY TOWNSHIP – The U.S. Coast Guard and Department of Homeland Security will hold a public meeting regarding establishment of Shipping Safety Fairwasy along the Atlantic Coast 6 p.m. April 17 at Stockton University, L-Wing Classroom 112, 101 Vera King Farris Drive.
Ensuring the safety and security of passing vessels and stationery infrastructure positioned near to national shipping routes remains a top priority for security agencies. While authorities see the merit in developing offshore installations intended to support renewable energy plans, navigation safety has been highlighted as a primary concern.
While specialized oil and gas security systems installed on offshore infrastructure can improve visibility and mitigate threats, leaders believe additional policies should be created to support safety and security initiatives.
The Coast Guard is considering a proposed rule change to protect traditional shipping routes and facilitate development on the Outer Continental Shelf. Since the proposed rule was announced Jan. 19, the CG and DHS have received multiple requests for further public engagement from the Coast Guard, which seeks meaningful participation from stakeholders.
The meeting includes a brief presentation by the Coast Guard followed by public comments.
According to the annoucement:
The Coast Guard is proposing to establish shipping safety fairways along the Atlantic Coast of the United States, identified in the Atlantic Coast Port Access Route Study. Fairways would preserve the safe and reliable transit of vessels along well-established traffic patterns and routes. While vessels are not required to use them, fairways are designed to keep traditional navigation routes free from fixed structures that could impact navigation safety and impede other shared offshore activities. The Coast Guard recognizes that there is increasing interest in offshore commercial development, including offshore renewable energy installations, and believes this development is best served by the establishment of consistent and well-defined fairways. The proposed fairways would help ensure that offshore developments remain viable by allowing developers to construct and maintain installations without risk of impeding vessel traffic. The Coast Guard is also proposing to establish traffic separation schemes and precautionary areas along the Atlantic coast to further improve navigation safety.The comment period will continue for 30 days more to allow the public to gather their thoughts following the meeting.
The comment period will continue for 30 days more to allow the public to gather their thoughts following the meeting. The comment period will end on May 17.
For more information, see https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2024/03/25/2024-06225/shipping-safety-fairways-along-the-atlantic-coast-public-meeting, or call 206–815–4657 or email David.b.mottel2@uscg.mil.
