The Maersk Alabama hijacking brought piracy liability issues to the forefront of Jones Act law. Before that April, 2009 event, few if any operators even gave their potential culpability in not adequately protecting their seafarers against piracy a second thought.
With LNG tankers now arriving in Boston regularly from the Middle East, sailors could be in the bulls-eye of potential floating time bombs if one of those behemoth ships is targeted by terrorists.
On Monday, February 22, the first liquefied natural gas tanker from Yemen reached the Distrigas Terminal in Everett, Massachusetts. The Coast Guard approved the deliveries after a year-long review despite objections from numerous public officials including the Boston Mayor and State House Speaker.
They fear the risk attached to the ships from a nation linked to terrorism is too great.
The risk to shipping operators for crew liability should one of those prime targets be commandeered is to be ignored at their peril.
To reply to this message, enter your reply in the box labeled "Message", hit "Post Message."
