Regulatory Framework

At present there is no separate regulatory framework in UK for the deep water port. The Government is in the process of drafting new regulations as part of the Energy Bill, which will enable licensing of offshore LNG Regasification and gas importation through the Deep Water Port under the Petroleum Act.

As an interim measure, DECC have decided that Port Meridian can be permitted using a combination of existing legislation, namely the Petroleum Act, 1998 and the Coastal Protection Act (CPA), 1949 (Section 34).

The onshore elements of Port Meridian, including the gas export pipeline from landfall on the seaward side of Walney Island (low water mark) to the mainland and the proposed AGI at Barrow-in-Furness have been consented under the Town and Country Planning Act, 1990.

OFFSHORE
The offshore sections of Port Meridian, the STL buoy system and the pipelines to the shore are subject to a Pipeline Works Authorization (PWA). The nature of the Port Meridian Deep Water Port required filing a comprehensive Environmental Impact Assessment supported by an Environmental Statement to DECC. In June 2009 DECC/OED confirmed a favourable EIA approval decision and that no more information is required concerning the ES process.

An amendment to the approved ES for mooring and operation of a regas vessel was filed in December 2009 with subsequent approval in November 2010.

ONSHORE
Port Meridian was granted planning consent for the onshore pipeline, the receiving facility and a new access road by Barrow Borough Council on the 18th May 2009.

The planning consent includes the pipeline landfall on Walney Island, the crossing of Walney Island and Piel Channel to the above ground installations (AGI) on the mainland. A new access road from the AGI to Rampside Road is also included in the planning consent from Barrow Borough Council.

A number of conditions were attached to the planning consent, most of them concerning construction schedule for protection of wildlife and environment.

REGAS VESSEL
The regas vessel connected to the offshore buoy will be operated and classified as a ship with additional class for the on-board regas equipment.