Editor:
I read with interest the recent article on the flotilla protest in Howe Sound (Coast Reporter, July 17). The horn-honking passion and enthusiasm for environmental protection is certainly welcome as British Columbians discuss our economic future. But missing from this demonstration were some important facts about the liquefied natural gas industry.
While this is a relatively new sector to British Columbia, LNG has been safely transported by the marine industry for more than 50 years. LNG is shipped every day around the world – at last count, there have been approximately 77,000 successfully completed voyages.
As a former ship captain, I can tell you that the construction, technological sophistication and record of safe operation of LNG carriers is without parallel – all in the name of leaving nothing to chance. This comes at a cost – upwards of $200 million per vessel – but our industry will always do what it takes to meet the highest safety and environmental standards.
When it comes to the proposal in Howe Sound, Woodfibre LNG, safety will be further enhanced by the guidance of Canadian senior marine pilots on the ship’s bridge, assisted by some of the most powerful escort tugs in the world.
I understand that many people are obviously eager for the jobs, business opportunity and economic investment the Woodfibre LNG facility would bring to Squamish – and British Columbia. Energy continues to drive our economy, heat our homes and deliver revenues to all levels of government which supports our health care, education and transportation needs.
But this development does not have to come at the expense of the environment.
It’s not an either-or argument. We can have both economic development and environmental protections. We, in the marine industry, live and work in British Columbia and have a vested interest in protecting our pristine coastline.
From the environment to the economy, this is our home and we will do our utmost to ensure its continued well being.
Captain Stephen Brown, president of the Chamber of Shipping of B.C.
