LNG Plant Safety

As part of United Energy LNG’s strategic commitment to providing sustainable, reliable, and low-emission marine fuel, we are proud to establish a state-of-the-art LNG production and bunkering facility within the Port of Galveston under a Public-Private Partnership (PPP). The safety of this operation is our highest priority—not only for our employees but for the Port’s staff, tenants, surrounding community, and the maritime ecosystem.

We want to address the safety profile of LNG, modern facility safeguards, regulatory oversight, and emergency preparedness. It also outlines the economic and environmental benefits the Port will realize as a direct result of this collaboration.

Understanding LNG and Its Safety Profile

LNG (Liquefied Natural Gas) is natural gas cooled to -260°F (-162°C), turning it into a liquid for ease of storage and transport. While LNG is flammable in certain conditions, its safety profile is favorable compared to other fuels due to the following properties:

  • LNG is non-toxic and non-corrosive.

  • LNG vapor is lighter than air when warmed, so it dissipates quickly rather than pooling.

  • It does not ignite easily—it must be in a very specific gas-air mixture (5%–15%) and exposed to an ignition source.

  • In liquid form, LNG will not explode; it must first return to vapor, mix with air, and then be ignited.

Historical Safety Record: Globally, LNG has a strong safety track record over the past 60 years. According to the U.S. Department of Energy and the International Group of Liquefied Natural Gas Importers (GIIGNL), LNG operations have maintained one of the best records in the energy industry with negligible incidents impacting public safety.

LNG has the lowest flash point, meaning it requires extremely low temperatures to ignite—making it safer under normal environmental conditions.

Safety Measures and Facility Design

United Energy LNG will implement industry-leading safety systems and design protocols that exceed federal and international standards. Highlights include:

Facility Design and Engineering Controls

  • Double-walled cryogenic storage tanks with leak detection systems

  • Seismic and storm-resilient structural design, adapted for hurricane-prone Gulf Coast conditions

  • Automated Emergency Shutdown Systems (ESD), fire suppression systems, and gas/vapor detection arrays

  • Onsite flare systems and pressure relief mechanisms to prevent over-pressurization

Operational Safety Standards

  • Adherence to NFPA 59A (Standard for the Production, Storage, and Handling of LNG) and 49 CFR Part 193 (Federal Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration standards)

  • Comprehensive Process Hazard Analyses (PHAs) and Quantitative Risk Assessments (QRA) conducted before final design approval

  • Regular maintenance and integrity checks of piping, valves, and tank systems

Personnel Training and Safety Culture

  • Mandatory OSHA-compliant training and LNG-specific emergency response drills

  • 24/7 facility monitoring and response crews

  • Continuous engagement with U.S. Coast Guard, local fire departments, and emergency responders

Port and Community Safety -

Separation from Public Access Areas

  • The facility will be strategically located away from cruise terminals, public piers, and tourist zones to ensure operational segregation and minimize exposure risk.

Minimal Emissions and Odor

  • LNG has virtually no odor, smoke, or particulate matter emissions. It burns cleaner than diesel, fuel oil, or marine gas oil, making it ideal for port operations with high pedestrian and tourist traffic.

  • LNG drastically reduces harmful emissions compared to traditional marine fuels, supporting the Port’s sustainability goals.

Emergency Preparedness and Mutual Aid

  • A comprehensive Emergency Response Plan (ERP) will be developed in collaboration with Port security, USCG, and local emergency services

  • PowerLNG will participate in the Galveston Port Area Mutual Aid (GPAMA) group for rapid, coordinated emergency response

  • Routine safety drills and joint response simulations with Port staff and tenants will reinforce preparedness

  • United Energy LNG’s safety plan is designed with multiple, redundant layers of protection—spanning engineering, operations, personnel training, and community risk mitigation.

Oversight and Compliance

The United Energy LNG facility will be subject to multiple layers of regulatory oversight, including:

  • U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) / PHMSA

  • Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC)

  • U.S. Coast Guard (USCG)

  • Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ)

  • Local Fire Marshal and Emergency Management

These agencies review our design, operational protocols, safety systems, and emergency procedures, ensuring continuous compliance throughout construction and operations.

Benefits to the Port and Broader Community

While safety is paramount, this project brings tangible economic and environmental benefits:

  • Cleaner air and compliance with IMO 2020 regulations, improving cruise and cargo vessel environmental performance

  • Local job creation in skilled trades, operations, and logistics

  • Long-term lease revenue and cost savings via direct access to LNG bunkering fuel

  • Reduced environmental risk compared to oil-based fuels due to LNG’s non-toxic and evaporative nature in case of release

United Energy LNG is deeply committed to the safe, clean, and efficient delivery of LNG to meet the growing needs of maritime operators. Our facility will be designed with best-in-class safety systems, operated under rigorous regulatory oversight, and integrated seamlessly into the Port’s ecosystem without disrupting its daily activities, reputation, or public interface.

Kimberly Stillwagon