The U.S. Coast Guard, a component of the Department of Homeland Security, has initiated a formal rulemaking process to establish a temporary safety zone in a specific area of Massachusetts Bay. This proposed regulation, published in the Federal Register, addresses a critical safety concern arising from the planned decommissioning of the Neptune LNG LLC Deepwater Port, located approximately 22 miles northeast of Boston. The safety zone is necessary to safeguard personnel, vessels, and the maritime public from the inherent dangers of extensive subsea demolition operations slated to occur in 2027.
Background and Operational Necessity
The need for this safety zone stems from the Maritime Administration MARAD granting final approval on August 7, 2026, for Neptune LNG LLC to proceed with the decommissioning of its Deepwater Port. This is not a simple undertaking. The project involves a complex array of subsea demolition activities that will require specialized equipment and divers working at considerable depths on the seafloor. The scope of the physical removal framework is substantial, including the extraction of two submerged turret loading buoys, three transition manifolds, and 16 wire rope and chain mooring lines along with their connecting infrastructure. While some buried pipeline will be partially abandoned in place, the active removal phase presents unique and significant risks.
The Captain of the Port COTP Sector Boston has assessed these activities and determined that the potential hazards associated with such intricate subsea demolition pose a direct threat to anyone within a specific proximity. These hazards can include falling debris, uncontrolled movement of heavy equipment, entanglement risks for divers, and the general unpredictable nature of underwater construction and demolition work. To mitigate these risks, the COTP proposes this rule under the authority granted by 46 U.S.C. 70034, which empowers the Coast Guard to protect personnel, vessels, and the marine environment in navigable waters.
Scope, Duration, and Enforcement of the Proposed Zone
The proposed safety zone will encompass all navigable waters within a 500-meter radius around an approximate position of 42 degrees 28 minutes 52.1 seconds North, 070 degrees 46 minutes 16.9 seconds West. This location places the zone roughly 22 miles northeast of Boston, MA. The enforcement period for this temporary regulation is extensive, scheduled to begin at 11:59 p.m. on February 28, 2027, and conclude at 8 a.m. on September 30, 2027. This duration is designed to accommodate the full scope of the decommissioning project, including potential delays due to unforeseen circumstances such as weather or technical challenges.
During the enforcement period, no vessel or person will be permitted to enter the designated safety zone without explicit authorization from the COTP Sector Boston or a designated representative. These representatives can include Coast Guard personnel on patrol vessels or other federal, state, and local officers assisting in enforcement. To seek permission for entry, mariners would typically contact the COTP or their representative via VHF-FM channel 16 or a specified telephone number. The project will involve significant marine assets, including a 140-meter construction vessel, multiple tugs and barges, underwater remote operated vehicles, and deep-sea divers, all operating within this defined area. Should the project conclude earlier than anticipated, enforcement of the safety zone will be suspended, with notice provided through the Local Notice to Mariners.
Regulatory Analyses and Public Comment Opportunities
In developing this proposed rule, the Coast Guard has conducted several regulatory analyses as required by federal statutes and executive orders. Notably, under the Regulatory Flexibility Act, the Coast Guard certifies that this rule is not expected to have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities. This assessment is based on the limited geographic scope of the regulated area, the ability for vessel traffic to transit safely around it, and the provision for small entities to request entry permission and receive notifications via Broadcast Notice to Mariners.
The proposed rule has also been analyzed for its implications concerning federalism, tribal governments, and unfunded mandates. The Coast Guard has determined that it is consistent with federalism principles, does not have tribal implications, and will not result in an annual expenditure of 100 million dollars or more by state, local, tribal governments, or the private sector. From an environmental standpoint, the proposed safety zone is categorized as an action that does not individually or cumulatively have a significant effect on the human environment, falling under a categorical exclusion for safety zones.
Public participation is a cornerstone of effective rulemaking. The Coast Guard is actively soliciting comments and related material on this proposed regulation. Interested parties have until October 23, 2026, to submit their feedback via the federal eRulemaking portal, regulations.gov, by searching for docket number USCG-2026-1071. This public comment period is a critical opportunity for affected stakeholders, including commercial fishermen, recreational boaters, and environmental groups, to voice their perspectives, which can help shape the final outcome of this rulemaking.
This proposed safety zone represents a proactive measure by the Coast Guard to manage the risks associated with the decommissioning of a significant piece of offshore energy infrastructure. It underscores the federal government's responsibility to ensure the safety of navigable waters during complex industrial operations, balancing commercial necessities with public safety and environmental protection.
