Potential effects of LNG trade shift on transfer of ballast water and biota by ships

Holzer, KK; Muirhead, JR; Minton, MS; Carney, KJ; Miller, AW; Ruiz, GM

HERO ID

10288355

Reference Type

Journal Article

Year

2017

Language

English

PMID

28038872

HERO ID 10288355
In Press No
Year 2017
Title Potential effects of LNG trade shift on transfer of ballast water and biota by ships
Authors Holzer, KK; Muirhead, JR; Minton, MS; Carney, KJ; Miller, AW; Ruiz, GM
Journal Science of the Total Environment
Volume 580
Page Numbers 1470-1474
Abstract As the US natural gas surplus grows, so does the prospect of establishing new trade partnerships with buyers abroad, a process that has major consequences for global ship movement and ballast water delivery. Since US annual imports of liquefied natural gas (LNG) peaked in 2004-2007, the country is rapidly transitioning from net importer to net exporter of LNG. Combining multiple datasets, we estimated changes in the associated flux of ships' ballast water to the US during 2015-2040, using existing scenarios for projected exports of domestic LNG by ships. Our analysis of the current market (2015) scenario predicts an approximate 90-fold annual increase in LNG-related ballast water discharge to the US by 2040 (42millionm3), with the potential to be even greater under high oil prices. We also described changes in geographic connectivity related to trade direction. These findings highlight how 21st century global energy markets could dramatically alter opportunities for seaborne introductions and invasions by nonnative species.
Doi 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2016.12.125
Pmid 28038872
Wosid WOS:000395353600145
Is Certified Translation No
Dupe Override No
Is Public Yes
Language Text English