Protecting The Fast-Growing LNG Industry

LNG exporting countries are adapting and building new facilities to meet demand. These valuable assets must be protected, whether processing, liquefaction and regasification plants or storage tanks, marine terminals and transport vessels. Here are four top tips on how surveillance technology safeguards people and assets.

1. Integrate data and apply video analytics

LNG terminals are complex and fast-changing environments where surveillance must be able to detect abnormalities.

Deploy a single, integrated platform 

A single integrated platform lets teams monitor and manage all security and safety systems, from perimeter and fire detection to access control, cameras and comms. Having this holistic view makes it easier to spot and act on anomalies in complex settings. 

Exploit analytics

Use video analytics to improve incident and ‘pre-incident’ detection, from absent PPE gear and unsafe behaviours to overheated equipment and unauthorised vehicles.

2. Use thermal cameras to detect danger

The oil and gas industry already knows how effective thermal cameras are. Recent developments make them even more attractive.

Save energy

To save energy, many facilities are dramatically reducing lighting. But now-dark areas still require close security and safety monitoring. Affordable, technically mature thermal or multi-modal cameras with thermal imaging are ideal.

De-risk with radiometric cameras

Radiometric-enabled cameras are perfect for detecting thermal variations that indicate process or storage system faults. Command and control software pairs this data with other sensor readings to alert operators to any concerns. Use alert-based workflows to ensure the responses required match standard operating protocols. Find out more in our recent guide to monitoring potentially explosive environments.

Remember, thermal cameras must comply with standards for their specific (hazardous or safe area) and geographic location. In the USA, NDAA compliance is mandatory.

3. Adopt remote monitoring for unmanned facilities

Many new LNG facilities have few or no staff, so remote monitoring and management are vital.

With cloud technology and web-client solutions, authorised users can securely access specific features of surveillance command and control remotely via a browser from any internet-connected device. Cloud-based solutions’ flexible data storage and processing power cope easily with the demands of 4K cameras and analytics.

Learn more about how we help one company in Australia oversee all its sites remotely from its Perth HQ.

4. Implement anti-piracy solutions for LNG carriers

Piracy rates have dropped, but attacks are still occurring. So detecting potentially hostile vessels is vital to protect LNG ships at sea. Integrated surveillance systems receive and analyse data from the ship’s radar, cameras, ECDIS and Automatic Identification System (AIS).

This technology combination creates a virtual perimeter, detecting and classifying vessels that cross it. They track threats using camera images and location data to respond automatically with evasive manoeuvring instructions or distress notifications.