Australian firm to use U.S. crews

Woodside Petroleum Ltd., an Australian oil and gas processor, said it would use U.S.-flagged vessels and American crews for a planned $1-billion liquefied natural gas facility in Southern California.

Woodside is the first gas company to make such a commitment and its proposal “will become the primary focus of our agency,” said Sean Connaughton, head of the U.S. Maritime Administration.

Based on legislation passed last year, proposed facilities that commit to using U.S. ships and crews will be given priority consideration by federal regulators.