Crude Oil Deepwater Port News

The Maritime Administration (MARAD) issued a notice stating that the US Coast Guard, in coordination with MARAD, will prepare an environmental impact statement (EIS) regarding the application by the Texas Offshore Port System for a license to construct and operate a crude oil deepwater port (DWP) in the Gulf of Mexico.  Public meetings on this application will be held in Freeport (February 18) and Texas City (February 19).  Written comments should be submitted by February 27.  74 Fed. Reg. 5025  (January 28, 2009). (Source: Holland & Knight)

The Texas Offshore Port System project has filed an application with the Maritime Administration seeking approval to build, own and operate a crude oil deepwater-port facility 30 miles off the coast of Texas in the Gulf of Mexico. In accordance with the Deepwater Port Act, the project must also seek approval from the U.S. Coast Guard to build such a facility. If approved and constructed as planned, the deepwater port should be capable of importing 1.7 million barrels of oil per day into the United States, and should also facilitate delivery of the waterborne crude to refining centers along Texas' Gulf Coast. Project plans call for the proposed deepwater port facility to be located in the Gulf, approximately 30 miles southeast of Freeport, Texas.