Power restored on floundering LNG tanker

(Coast Guard)

By Globe Staff

Full electrical power has been restored to the floundering liquefied natural gas tanker that broke down off Cape Cod, and crews are working today to repair the ship's propulsion system.

The 933-foot LNG tanker Catalunya Spirit is being repaired off the coast of Gloucester at the site of a planned offshore liquefied natural gas facility near Eastern Point Light, according to a press release from the Coast Guard.

It was corraled Tuesday by four tugboats after drifting for hours at sea. The Spanish-flagged tanker broke down about 3 a.m. Monday en route from Trinidad to the LNG facility in Everett.

There has been no structural damage to the ship and no liquefied natural gas has leaked from the tanker, according to the Coast Guard. As a precaution, the Coast Guard has several ships on scene to monitor repairs. If there is a spill, the ships have more than 5,000 feet of boom on board to absorb any leaked fuel.

Critics of LNG deliveries through Boston Harbor called the breakdown another warning of the threat posed by the tankers. The Catalunya Spirit makes regular trips between Trinidad and the LNG facility in Everett.

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