America's Maritime Energy Superhighways for CO2, Hydrogen and LNG Transportation

Abstract Throughout American history, Presidents have recognized the vital role of the nation's abundant natural resources, beginning with George Washington, who appreciated the strategic importance of navigable waterways. He notably showcased numerous paintings of rivers, including the iconic Hudson River, in the New Room of his Mount Vernon home. In recent times, there has been significant opposition from stakeholders and political leaders against pipeline construction in the United States. Consequently, the inland waterways, along with the navigable waterways of the Atlantic, the Great Lakes, and the Gulf of Mexico, offer a highly interconnected and viable alternative. These waterways form a uniform legal superhighway under US maritime law, facilitating the efficient flow of energy goods essential for energy diversification. To this end, it is crucial to embrace technological advancements and fully utilize the United States' navigable waterways. This approach supports a comprehensive energy policy that leverages all available American energy sources, enhancing energy security and meeting environmental objectives for stakeholders in Asia and Europe. This paper explores the legal framework governing CO2, LNG, and hydrogen transportation, and potential commercial development in both domestic and international markets. It provides a detailed analysis of the supply chain for capture, transport, and storage, addressing the needs of both US and global markets.