Homer Alaska - News

The LNG Gemini, a 285-foot liquid natural gas tanker, rests at anchor in Kachemak Bay. Having arrived July 18, it is waiting to receive LNG cargo at the ConocoPhillips facility in Nikiski before continuing on for Japan, said Mike Spangler, ConocoPhillips operations manager for Cook Inlet. Its lengthy stay is due to "working the schedule between Japan, the tides and here," said Spangler. Plans call for the ship to depart the bay about Aug. 7. Vessels remaining in the bay longer than 14 days must have a permit "so we don't have one vessel moored in public lands for all summer that possibly could use up good moorage locations," said Ginny Litchfield, the habitat biologist with the Alaska Department of Fish and Game Habitat Division working with ConocoPhillips to complete the permit. Litchfield said there didn't appear to be any environmental issues connected with this ship. Kachemak Bay provides the only safe harbor in Cook Inlet, which is why the ship is at anchor in the bay until it can proceed to Nikiski. "It's important for people to remember that shipping is managed," said Homer Harbormaster Bryan Hawkins.