Energy firms pitch on‑port LNG production at Port Canaveral; commissioners ask staff to study proposal amid safety concerns

Representatives of Berkshire Hathaway Energy’s BHE GT&S and Chesapeake Utilities on Wednesday asked Port Canaveral Authority commissioners to let staff examine the possibility of using port land for a liquefied natural gas production facility aimed at serving cruise and space customers.

"Chesapeake and Berkshire have formed this partnership, to develop a project that will strengthen very critical natural gas infrastructure in this region," Mike Castle, vice president of strategic development for Chesapeake Utilities Corporation, told the board. He said the partners were requesting the port "support to engage with your staff to work on the acquisition of a piece of land that's owned by the port." (Speaker 12)

Roger Williams, vice president of commercial LNG for BHE GT&S, said the companies have been operating in the region and providing LNG bunkering to the port. "Our subsidiary, Pivotal LNG, has been delivering LNG fuel to Port Canaveral since June 2022," he said, adding the firms have completed more than 200 bunkering operations and delivered more than 80,000,000 gallons to cruise and aerospace customers. (Speaker 11)

Why it matters: Port Canaveral and Brevard County are central to both the cruise and space industries, and presenters said an on‑port liquefaction facility would reduce the distance LNG travels by truck or barge, support growing demand from LNG‑fueled ships and next‑generation rockets, and generate local jobs.

What the board did: The board did not vote to sell or transfer land at the meeting. Port counsel Herb Weislein reminded commissioners that the port charter requires public notice 15–30 days before any meeting that would consider selling or disposing of land. Dan Fitzpatrick, assistant secretary at the Florida Department of Transportation, summarized the motion he said is under discussion: "In terms of the motion before the board, the motion is to authorize staff to explore land acquisition," and he emphasized that federal and state permitting would follow any acquisition. (Speakers 4 and 13)

Safety, traffic and siting questions: Commissioners and residents pressed presenters on safety, truck traffic and what barges might mean for lock operations. Presenters said their siting criteria include at least 40 acres to allow setbacks outside any rocket launch blast radius and navigable water access for barge deliveries. "We need at least 40 acres in order to maintain adequate buffer and setback from the property lines," Williams said. The companies said the proposed facility would be sited and operated with safety protocols and coordination with first responders. (Speaker 11)

Residents who spoke during public comment said the proposed site on Merritt Island would place homes, schools and vulnerable populations close to a potential hazard. One resident said they live only about 1,400 feet from the proposed site and called for a less‑populated location: "Prudence argues for selecting a more suitable, less populated site where the consequences of a worst case failure would be far lower." (Speaker 21)

Next steps: Rather than taking immediate action, the chair directed Captain Murray and port staff to prepare an analysis and report back at the next meeting with more detailed information on parcel size, value, traffic impacts and permitting timelines. Any formal action to sell or dispose of Port land would require the public notice the port attorney described.

What was not decided: No sale or disposition was approved. Commissioners approved neither a purchase nor a development agreement at Wednesday’s meeting; staff analysis and the legally required public notice will precede any future board vote.

Who said what (selection of direct quotes): "Chesapeake and Berkshire have formed this partnership, to develop a project that will strengthen very critical natural gas infrastructure in this region," Mike Castle said. "Our subsidiary, Pivotal LNG, has been delivering LNG fuel to Port Canaveral since June 2022," Roger Williams said. "In terms of the motion before the board, the motion is to authorize staff to explore land acquisition," Dan Fitzpatrick said. "Before selling or disposing of any land or interest in land, it shall be the duty of the port authority to provide public notice ... not less than 15 days or more than 30 days," counsel Herb Weislein reminded the board. Public commenter Joel McPherson said: "Prudence argues for selecting a more suitable, less populated site where the consequences of a worst case failure would be far lower." (Speakers 12, 11, 13, 4, 21)

The presentation and the public comments stretched across the morning’s agenda. The board’s next regular meeting is scheduled for Jan. 28, 2026, when staff said they will return with a more detailed analysis.