MEBA Signs LNG Crewing Agreement with Excelerate Energy
The Marine Engineers' Beneficial Association (MEBA) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with innovative LNG importer Excelerate Energy to utilize U.S.- citizen deck and engineering officers onboard Excelerate's liquefied natural gas (LNG) carriers.The issue of Americans onboard LNG vessels has been the focus of congressional and administrative oversight over the last few years. The House Homeland Security Committee scheduled a hearing on March 21st to address this issue. President Davis was asked to testify on the issue of securing LNG tankers. The Maritime Administration, under the lead of Administrator Sean Connaughton, has also moved forward on the issue as well, working with Excelerate and other LNG operators. The agreement provides for the opening of Excelerate's LNG tankers and terminals to MEBA deck and engine officers in order to obtain LNG recency certifications for loading and discharging LNG. Once recertified, these officers will join Excelerate's international fleet of LNG vessels.