The US Department of Transportation's Maritime Administration (MARAD) has approved a deepwater port license application for Blue Marlin Offshore Port off the coast of Louisiana.
MARAD said the US$1 billion deepwater crude oil export facility will export up to two million barrels of crude oil per day (80,000 barrels per hour) and enhance the United States’ ability to accommodate very large crude carriers (VLCCs).
The Blue Marlin Offshore Port will be built approximately 99 miles (160 kilometres) off the coast of Cameron Parish, Louisiana, using existing and converted platform infrastructure in West Cameron Block 509. The port location will allow VLCCs to load in deep water directly, easing inland port congestion and reducing vessel collision and safety risks.
Crude oil supply for the port will be sourced from a dedicated pipeline system connecting major inland supply hubs in Texas (including the Nederland Terminal area) and Southwest Louisiana to the offshore platform network.
MARAD partnered with the US Coast Guard, numerous federal agencies, and the States of Texas and Louisiana during the comprehensive review of the Blue Marlin application. The review ensured that the facility meets strict safety and security standards while providing American producers direct access to global markets.
The full Record of Decision and associated documents can be found at www.regulations.gov under Docket Number MARAD-2020-0127.
