This bill says that when ships are refueled with natural gas (LNG) in U.S. waters, that fuel-up is not counted as an “export.” It only counts as an export if the fuel is transferred in the territorial sea or inland waters of another country. It doesn’t matter what country’s flag the ships are flying. The goal is to cut red tape for LNG ship fueling in the U.S.

Key points

• Who is affected: LNG suppliers, ship operators, and U.S. ports involved in ship refueling.
• What changes: LNG bunkering in U.S. waters would not trigger export rules; fueling in another country’s waters would.
• When: This change would apply if and when the bill becomes law.