Shipping and harbour movements
How LNG is transported
Over the past 50 years LNG carriers have travelled more than 200 million kilometres without a significant accident.
LNG is transported via double-hulled tankers that are specially designed and insulated to prevent leakage or rupture in an accident. These vessels contain primary and secondary cargo containment systems that prevent leaks and the ships feature sophisticated equipment to enhance safe navigation.
Safe shipping
Safety is the number one priority for Australia Pacific LNG.
LNG is exported via LNG ships within special containment systems in the inner hull, enabling the LNG to remain cold without the need for pressurisation.
LNG weighs less than half the weight of water so it will float if spilled on water, before quickly evaporating and dissipating into the atmosphere, leaving no residue. If LNG were to spill, the environmental cleanup would be minimal to non-existent.
ConocoPhillips is a member of the Society of International Gas Tanker and Terminal Operators Ltd, which provides international criteria for best practices and standards for LNG shipping.
View the safe transportation fact sheet
Safe harbour practices
To increase the safety of transiting LNG ships, Australia Pacific LNG has worked closely on the development of specific LNG Vessel Operating Parameters for Gladstone Harbour.
Two tugs will be present in the outer channel and four tugs in the inner harbour to mitigate the risk of grounding, collision, striking or impact accidents.
LNG ships are fitted with emergency shutdown systems that can identify potential safety problems and shut down operations. This significantly limits the amount of liquefied natural gas that could be released if an accident were to occur.