Fed official: one-fourth of LNG tanker crews at new facilities will have to be American

By Michael Levenson, Globe Staff

One-fourth of all crew members on LNG tankers arriving at two proposed offshore unloading facilities in Massachusetts will have to be American citizens, a federal official said today.

Sean T. Connaughton, head of the U.S. Maritime Administration, said the rule will ensure that Americans have access to lucrative tanker jobs. It will also enhance safety because Americans will be aboard the ships as they unload the highly flammable liquid.

Connaughton commented in an interview before graduation exercises at the Massachusetts Maritime Academy in Bourne.

He said the policy would affect two facilities that are being eyed off of Gloucester and Fall River but would not affect the existing facility in Everett.

Governor Deval Patrick applauded the policy, saying it would benefit the state economically and enhance security. Some have raised concerns that the giant tankers could be targets of terrorist attacks.

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