[Federal Register Volume 61, Number 229 (Tuesday, November 26, 1996)]
[Notices]
[Page 60138]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 96-30063]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
[CGD 96-062]


Natural Gas as Fuel in Marine Applications

AGENCY: Coast Guard, DOT.

ACTION: Notice of meeting; request for comments.

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SUMMARY: The Coast Guard is studying the use of compressed natural gas 
(CNG) and liquefied natural gas (LNG) as fuel aboard commercial ships. 
Use of these types of fuel offers the opportunity to decrease harmful 
engine exhaust emissions and reduce the potential for oil spills.

DATES: A public meeting will be held on Tuesday, January 14, 1997. 
Comments must be received before Monday, February 3, 1997.

ADDRESSES: The meeting will be held at the Nassif Building, 400 Seventh 
Street S.W., Washington, DC 20590-0001. Written comments may be mailed 
to Commandant (G-MSE-3), U.S. Coast Guard, 2100 Second Street, SW., 
Washington, DC 20593-0001, or faxed to 202-267-4816.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Lieutenant Commander R.K. Butturini, Mr. Wayne Lundy or Ensign Felicia 
K. Rydzewski, Systems Engineering Division, Commandant (G-MSE-3), room 
1300, telephone (202) 267-2206 between 7 a.m. and 3 p.m., Monday 
through Friday, except Federal holidays.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The Coast Guard is responsible for 
establishing safety standards for commercial vessels. As a result of 
concern over marine engine emissions, there has been growing interest 
in the shipping industry for the use of CNG and LNG as fuel. These 
fuels burn cleaner than oil fuels and may be more economical in some 
applications.
    One U.S. commercial vessel is currently operating with CNG fuel. 
The Coast Guard wants to use the lessons learned from this operation, 
along with public comments, to evaluate the feasibility of future 
applications for both CNG and LNG as fuel on commercial vessels. 
Therefore, the Coast Guard is soliciting public comment regarding the 
use of CNG and LNG as fuel, particularly with respect to the potential 
pollution hazards, the type of vessels where use of CNG and LNG may be 
feasible, and current shoreside use of CNG and LNG for transportation.

    Dated: November 19, 1996.
Joseph J. Angelo,
Director of Standards, Marine Safety and Environmental Protection.
[FR Doc. 96-30063 Filed 11-25-96; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-14-M