Medway LNG Terminal

[FulmarJeddo]

Queenborough Harbour trust have posted a warning on Facebook about the"250m exclusion zone" around the LNG terminal on the Isle of Grain and a very nice chartlet.

"WARNING EXCLUSION ZONE (Chart thanks to Wilsonian SC)
Medway VTS are getting very tough with fines up to £3,000 for entering this exclusion zone all commercial traffic, tugs etc will report any vessel/boat entering the LNG exclusion zone!"

There is a notice on the terminal warning of a 150m exclusion zone. I thought there was an extended zone when a LNG vessel was berthed but couldn't remember what, so I checked the Peel Ports NTM. From the wording of the NTM it appears that the 250m zone is only applicable to vessels over 50m LOA. http://peelports.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/NtoM-No-02-of-2015-Update-Isle-of-Grain-LNG-Jetties-8-10-Reminder-of-vessel-exclusion-zone.pdf

Whilst it would be wise to give a LNG vessel a very wide berth, I would think it would be very difficult for Peel Ports to issue a fine to a vessel under 50m entering the area between 150m and 250m from the terminal.

 

[Mariner69]

Why would you wish to go that close to vessel which is in its most dangerous phase of operation?

Two cables clear would be prudent.

 

[FulmarJeddo]

Going "close" to one of these vessels isn't avoidable when you want to enter or leave the river and one is at the terminal. 150m, 250m or 2 miles wouldn't make much difference if things went wrong with the gas transfer. I was flagging up the fact that it has been reported that Medway VTS or Peel Ports are fining vessels for entering an exclusion zone that seems to be a bit ambiguously defined as to who is excluded. I suspect the 250m zone is intended to keep larger vessels away and reduce the risk of a collision with a moored LNG tanker. There is always a guard tug moored opposite the LNG terminal when there is a tanker berthed.

 

[Cantata]

I've never understood why their byelaw doesn't simply exclude all craft. But as you say, if it goes up you're going to get incinerated a long way away anyway.

 

[UncleAlbert]

Is it me nand have I interpreted the chart incorrectly but I have no intention of going on the green, overprinted red, exclusion zone.
I will keep away from the Red segmented bit when I next negotiate the Medway and Swale and hopefully all the other obstructions in that busy river too.

It looks a poorly notated chart in my opinion.
Unc

 

[Triassic]

The only time you really get drawn in close is when tacking up or down the river, but I always stay clear when there is a vessel there. The warning signs make me laugh though, by the time you can read them you're well within the zone!

 

[mudkipper]

''If you can read this you're too close''?

By the way, has Nessie moved?