Northeast Florida offers LNG opportunities

Northeast Florida is developing measures to increase its status as a natural gas player. The region is looking to attract and sustain business in the natural gas industry. This includes building upon its position as an importer and exporter of liquefied natural gas (LNG) and compressed natural gas (CNG) by cultivating its available, skilled workforce to support this growing industry.

Natural gas is becoming one of the fastest-growing fuel sectors in the world, and, as outlined on Wednesday by energy experts, LNG exports lead to economic growth and job expansions, particularly in states with strong shipping and cargo footprints like Florida.

Northeast Florida is also an excellent facilitation area for LNG and CNG because the region is a logistics and transportation center.

Developments

Significant developments are occurring in the area that will offer employment opportunities. Clean Energy Fuels Corp. has plans to construct a terminal to supply LNG to cargo ships in Jacksonville – the first of its type in the nation and the first LNG facility on the Eastern Seaboard to supply LNG for the maritime, trucking and rail industries.

Sea Star Line and Crowley, with operations out of JAXPORT, ordered LNG-powered cargo ships. Locally headquartered, Crowley Maritime and its Carib Energy division will supply containerised natural gas to two of Coca-Cola’s manufacturing plants in Cayey and Cidra, Puerto Rico.

CSX, also headquartered in Jacksonville, is exploring LNG conversion by partnering with GE Transportation on a test to outfit some diesel-powered locomotives to give them the capability to run on LNG.

The Jacksonville Transportation Authority is looking at constructing a CNG fuelling station and plans to buy 100 natural gas-powered buses over a five-year period.

Workforce

Military veterans, especially those with fuelling experience, are attractive candidates for the LNG industry, as well as workers with mechanical expertise. The region is well positioned to meet these talent needs. More than 3000 retired military workers return to private work each year in Northeast Florida and the area has a competent supply of experienced workers, providing a diverse talent pool of skilled laborers.

“Northeast Florida is embracing opportunities and encouraging continual development in the LNG industry; and has the desirable and proficient workforce needed to sustain the natural gas and LNG sectors,” said Aaron Bowman, JAXUSA Partnership Senior Vice President.

Adapted from press release by Ted Monroe

Read the article online at: https://www.lngindustry.com/liquid-natural-gas/02052014/lng_workforce_opportunities_in_northeast_florida_thrive/