The U.S. Coast Guard has issued a notice of proposed rulemaking to establish a temporary safety zone in a specific area of Massachusetts Bay. This action is designed to protect marine personnel, vessels, and the broader maritime public from hazards associated with extensive subsea demolition activities. The proposed zone will be located approximately 22 miles northeast of Boston and will be enforced during the decommissioning of the Neptune LNG Deepwater Port.
The Need for a Safety Zone
On August 7, 2026, Neptune LNG LLC received final approval from the Maritime Administration (MARAD) to commence decommissioning operations for its Deepwater Port in Massachusetts Bay. This project is a significant undertaking that necessitates the establishment of a restricted area. The Captain of the Port (COTP) Sector Boston has identified potential hazards inherent in complex subsea demolition. These hazards pose a safety concern for anyone within the immediate vicinity of the decommissioning work.
The scope of the decommissioning is substantial. It involves the physical removal of critical infrastructure, specifically two submerged turret loading buoys, three transition manifolds, and 16 wire rope and chain mooring lines. Additionally, connecting infrastructure will be removed, while a portion of the buried pipeline will be abandoned in place. These operations will require specialized equipment, including a 140-meter construction vessel, multiple tugs and barges, underwater remote operated vehicles (ROVs), and deep-sea divers working on the seafloor.
Geographic and Temporal Scope of the Proposed Zone
The proposed safety zone will encompass all navigable waters within a 500-meter radius centered at approximate position 42 degrees 28 minutes 52.1 seconds North latitude, 070 degrees 46 minutes 16.9 seconds West longitude. This location is approximately 22 miles northeast of Boston, MA. The zone is intended to be active from 11:59 p.m. on February 28, 2027, through 8 a.m. on September 30, 2027. This duration is designed to accommodate the necessary decommissioning work and account for potential project delays due to unforeseen circumstances.
Operational Restrictions and Authorization
Under the proposed rule, no vessel or person will be permitted to enter the safety zone without explicit authorization from the COTP Sector Boston or a designated representative. This strict prohibition is crucial for maintaining the safety of the marine contractors, deep-sea divers, and their support vessels involved in the decommissioning. The COTP's designated representatives include Coast Guard Patrol Commanders, coxswains, petty officers, or other officers operating Coast Guard vessels, as well as Federal, State, and local officers assisting in enforcement.
To seek permission to enter the regulated area, individuals or vessel operators would contact the COTP or their representative via VHF-FM channel 16 or by telephone. Those granted entry into the safety zone will be required to comply with all lawful orders and directions issued by the COTP or their designated representative. The Coast Guard has indicated that if the project concludes earlier than anticipated, enforcement of the safety zone would be suspended, with notice provided through the Local Notice to Mariners.
Regulatory Considerations and Public Input
The Coast Guard is proposing this rule under the authority granted by 46 U.S.C. 70034. In developing this proposed rule, the agency considered various statutes and executive orders. Its regulatory analyses indicate that the rule is not expected to have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities, largely because vessel traffic can safely transit around the regulated area and small entities can request permission to enter. Furthermore, the rule does not require a new collection of information, is consistent with federalism principles, and has no tribal implications. It also certifies that the rule will not result in unfunded mandates. The Coast Guard has also determined that this action is categorically excluded from further environmental review under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969.
Public participation is a key component of the rulemaking process. The Coast Guard actively invites comments and related material on this proposed rule. The comment period will close on October 23, 2026. Interested parties can submit their comments and view available documents online through the Federal eRulemaking Portal at regulations.gov, searching for docket number USCG-2026-1071. This public comment period allows stakeholders to provide feedback and potentially influence the final regulatory text.
