The U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) has given the green light to shipping at the proposed $6 billion-plus Jordan Cove liquefied natural gas (LNG) export terminal and connecting transmission pipeline in Coos Bay in Oregon.

As part of its process, the USCG used a committee and community experts to review assessments provided by Jordan Cove LNG. The assessment was subsequently checked to ensure it met the standards. Issues examined included channel depth, tidal conditions and the basic characteristics of the marine environment.

“We looked at the waterway suitability assessment that the applicant provided, and we evaluated the assessment against the criteria in Navigation Vessel Inspection [Circular 01-11],” Lt. Cmdr. Laura Springer told reporters. She said the review process was “very similar” to a previous Jordan Cove application in 2009. “We built upon the previous application and really tried to look at safety and security issues.

A spokesperson for project sponsor Pembina Inc. welcomed the action and noted the USCG letter of recommendation confirms the viability of plans to build and operate the only gas export facility on the U.S. West Coast.

The USCG action “confirms Jordan Cove LNG vessels can safely transit the channel,” the spokesperson said. “This is a testament to the thorough work our team has put into project design and operational planning.”

A year ago, Pembina Pipeline Corp. and Jordan Cove sponsor Veresen Inc., headquartered in Calgary, combined in a friendly $9.7 billion merger. Jordan Cove Energy Project LP and Pacific Connector Gas Pipeline LP asked the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission to reconsider its order issued in March 2016 that denied applications to construct and operate the terminal and to connect the 232-mile, 36-inch diameter gas pipeline.

Pembina’s Jordan Cove LNG project, the spokesperson told NGI, remains “focused on providing all necessary information to the federal, state and local agencies so they can move forward with the review of our permit applications.”