US Federal Judge Silvia Carreño Coll ordered New Fortress Energy (NFE) to explain by 2pm Friday why it should not be sanctioned for lack of candor and delaying the judicial process related to the entry of the AMUR River liquefied natural gas ship into the Port of San Juan. The judge warned that non-compliance could result in a $10,000 fine and maintained a provisional ban on the movement of the AMUR River and other similar ships within the port.
The controversy arose after the San Juan Bay Pilots alerted the court to NFE's intention to use the AMUR River, which they claimed is larger than the two ships initially agreed upon. The court had previously determined that the agreement was not limited to the Energos Maria and Energos Princess ships, but ordered the parties to ensure that pilots received necessary information and were comfortable with the maneuver.
NFE informed the court that it would have four tugboats available for the operation, but the pilots questioned the validity of the certification documents provided. Judge Carreño Coll ordered NFE to obtain and deliver the certifications immediately.