Oil spill response planning for LNG terminal projects often focuses on long-term operations and regulatory compliance.
For a comprehensive overview of what oil spill response equipment is required throughout the entire LNG terminal lifecycle, you may also refer to Oil Spill Response Solutions for LNG Terminal Projects: What Equipment Is Really Required?
However, the construction phase presents a very different set of spill risks — and many of them are frequently underestimated or overlooked.
During construction, LNG terminals experience higher marine activity, temporary systems, and frequent equipment movement, making oil spill response readiness especially critical.
This article highlights what is often overlooked during LNG terminal construction, and how EPC contractors can better prepare for real-world spill scenarios.
Unlike the operational phase, LNG terminal construction involves:
These factors significantly increase the likelihood of small but frequent oil spills, which can quickly escalate if not managed properly.
One of the most common spill sources during construction is temporary fueling.
Unlike permanent fuel systems, temporary setups often involve:
Without proper containment and absorbents nearby, minor leaks can quickly reach water surfaces, especially at jetty or barge locations.
What should be prepared:
Cranes, winches, pile drivers, and dredging equipment rely heavily on hydraulic systems.
During intensive construction:
Hydraulic oil spills are rarely dramatic — but they are persistent and difficult to clean if not addressed immediately.
Effective response includes:
Many projects assume that oil containment booms are only needed for major incidents.
In reality, early deployment during construction can prevent minor spills from spreading.
Booms are often overlooked because:
However, even temporary boom deployment during high-risk activities can significantly reduce environmental exposure.
Many of these overlooked issues arise because construction-phase spill response is handled by EPC contractors under tight schedules and changing site conditions.
For a deeper look into how EPC contractors evaluate and select oil spill response equipment, see
How EPC Contractors Select Oil Spill Response Equipment for LNG Terminals?
Another common issue is that spill kits exist — but are not where they are needed.
Typical problems include:
During construction, spill kits must be:
Fast access can mean the difference between a controlled spill and an environmental incident.
As LNG terminal projects move toward completion, attention often shifts to commissioning and handover — leaving spill response equipment in a gray zone.
Common gaps include:
A well-planned spill response strategy should bridge construction and operation, ensuring continuous coverage.
Based on real project experience, effective construction-phase spill response planning should:
Oil spill response failures during LNG terminal construction are rarely caused by lack of equipment — they are caused by lack of planning for real-world conditions.
Recognizing and addressing overlooked risks during construction:
Contact us for construction-phase spill response solutions, temporary deployment planning, and project-specific equipment recommendations.
