In the liquefaction process, natural gas is cooled to approximately minus 160°C. At this temperature it liquefies and its volume is reduced by a factor of 600, making it easy to transport in large sea-going tankers. LNG is stored at atmospheric pressure during transportation and returned to a gaseous state at re-gasification facilities, which are designed and built according to stringent national codes and international standards.

These terminals employ extensive safety and security systems. Perimeter fencing, motion detection, closed circuit TV, and lighting are also deployed. Safety features include methane detectors, ultraviolet or infrared fire detectors, and regular personnel training.

If LNG is spilled on water or land, it will not mix with either but will evaporate and dissipate into the air, leaving no residue. It does not dissociate or react as other hydrocarbon gases do and is not considered an emission source.

Of course, there are risks of explosion with LNG. But those risks are manageable. LNG will not explode in an unconfined environment. Furthermore, natural gas only burns when found in concentrations of between 5 and 15 percent mixed with air. In the unlikely event of an LNG spill, natural gas has little chance of igniting an explosion.

LNG transports are specialized tankers with insulated walls. The fuel is kept in liquid form by auto-refrigeration, a process in which LNG is kept at its boiling point. Any heat additions are countered by energy lost from the LNG vapor that is vented out of storage and used to power the vessel.

Unlike crude oil, should an LNG spill occur, there would be no residue or environmental impact on local waters. LNG floats and at air temperature, natural gas disperses into the atmosphere.

Since the United States began LNG shipments more than 30 years ago, not a single vessel has had an LNG release that had any impact on the public. However, there remains significant concern about its safety. Handling LNG introduces potential hazards to import and export terminals, shippers, and the public. Fires can occur under certain conditions even though the ships are double-hulled, heavily insulated, and the LNG is not stored under pressure. As on all modern oil tankers, sophisticated radar and positioning systems alert the crew to any hazards around the ship. Distress systems and beacons automatically send out signals if the ship is having difficulty. Also, all ships employ anti-piracy and boarding measures, and comply with the requirements of the International Ship and Port Security code.

More than 150 LNG tankers currently transport LNG across the world’s oceans. In fact, the industry has made more than 33,000 carrier trips without a major accident or fire. Worldwide, there are 40 import terminals designed to receive LNG shipments, 17 LNG liquefaction export terminals, and more than 200 LNG storage facilities. Japan’s 25 LNG import terminals have not had a major safety incident in their 35-year history. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, since the industry’s inception, only eight marine incidents worldwide have resulted in LNG spillage, with some hulls damaged due to cold fracture; however, no cargo fires have occurred. There have been no LNG shipboard fatalities.

In conclusion, it is clear that clean-burning natural gas is critical as an energy bridge to future renewable and other energy resources, and that LNG is a key component of this fuel portfolio. LNG is safe, has a proven track record, is easy to handle, burns cleanly, and has low carbon emissions. For these reasons, energy companies around the globe are jumping into the LNG market to meet the world’s growing energy needs.

Saeid Mokhatab is an advisor of natural gas engineering research projects in the Chemical and Petroleum Engineering Department of the University of Wyoming.