Critical Energy Infrastructure Security

Amanda Johnson

Recent Security Incidents Highlight the Urgent Need for Advanced Protective Measures 

Strengthening Critical Energy Infrastructure Security During Design, Construction, and Operations in an Era of Rising Threats

In recent years, security incidents in Germany and the Baltic region have underscored the growing vulnerabilities in critical infrastructure, particularly within the energy sector. From drone surveillance to suspected sabotage and direct attacks, the evolving threat landscape demands a shift from traditional physical protections to comprehensive security strategies.

INCITIAS is at the forefront of delivering these essential services to LNG terminals and energy projects across Europe and Southeast Asia, leveraging our expertise in compliance with American Petroleum Institute (API) standards, the International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code, and local regulations such as Germany’s Bundesamt für Sicherheit in der Informationstechnik (BSI) guidelines.

Addressing Real-World Threats: The INCITIAS Approach

Recent incidents, such as the suspected anchor-dragging by the Chinese ship Newnew Polar Bear, which potentially caused significant damage to the Baltic connector gas pipeline between Finland and Estonia, as well as to critical telecommunications cables, have demonstrated the insufficiency of conventional security measures. Additionally, deliberate sabotage of a gas pipeline in Schleswig-Holstein, Germany, has further emphasised the necessity of securing vital energy infrastructure.

These events illustrate a holistic approach integrating both physical and cybersecurity measures is crucial. INCITIAS specialises in conducting comprehensive Security Risk and Vulnerability Assessments (SRVAs) to identify vulnerabilities across all aspects of critical infrastructure. Our solutions are rigorously aligned with international and national standards, ensuring your assets are secure but also incorporated into an enterprise-wide risk management process.

Navigating Regulatory Changes with INCITIAS

The European NIS2 Directive (Directive (EU) 2022/2555) represents a significant expansion in the scope of critical infrastructure security, placing increased emphasis on the resilience of essential services and their entire supply chains. The directive requires organisations to manage risks within their operations and across their supply chains, with stricter penalties for non-compliance. With the transposition deadline set for 17 October 2024, organisations must prepare now to align with these enhanced requirements.

The European Union’s holistic approach requires that an enterprise-wide risk management process be implemented during the design phase of projects, well before facilities become operational. This comprehensive approach involves aligning risk management procedures with a range of standards. At INCITIAS, we ensure our clients are prepared to meet these challenges head-on. We employ the API standard to integrate the entire facility under a single security risk assessment framework, ensuring compliance with ISPS and relevant national cybersecurity codes and regulations, such as Germany’s BSI.

Our comprehensive approach includes:

API Security Risk Assessments: Utilizing the ANSI/API STD 780 methodology to assess vulnerabilities and develop effective mitigation strategies tailored for the petroleum and petrochemical industries.

ISPS Code Compliance: Covering all aspects of ISPS compliance to safeguard maritime and port facilities against both conventional and emerging risks.

Cybersecurity and Global Compliance: In collaboration with strategic partners, we ensure your digital infrastructure is resilient against cyber threats, aligning with ISO/IEC 27000 series, the NIST Cybersecurity Framework, and regional standards like the CSA in Singapore and the ASD Essential Eight in Australia.

The INCITIAS Advantage: Proactive Security Strategies

In today’s complex security environment, a proactive approach is essential. Security risk assessments must be incorporated during the design and construction phases to ensure that supply chain risk, infrastructure resilience, and protective measures are firmly in place before operations commence.

INCITIAS goes beyond mere compliance, building resilient defence systems capable of withstanding and quickly recovering from both physical and cyber-attacks. Our expertise focuses on energy, maritime, and automation technology sectors, allowing us to provide tailored solutions which address the unique challenges our clients face.

By partnering with INCITIAS, clients ensure compliance with the latest standards while being equipped with the most effective security measures available. Considering recent global events, now is the time to fortify your defences. INCITIAS is here to provide the expertise and tools necessary to protect your assets and ensure operational continuity.

Current Engagements

INCITIAS is actively engaged in providing critical security risk assessment services for LNG infrastructure projects across Europe and Southeast Asia, ensuring these facilities meet and exceed API, ISPS, and local cybersecurity regulations.

Let INCITIAS guide you through these challenges and secure your critical infrastructure against both current and future threats.

For more information please contact: Holger Kelle

Engineering Services

INCITIAS Services and Original Products are supported by in-house team of engineers and designers:

  • Naval architects
  • Process engineers
  • Mechanical and Marine engineers
  • Safety and risk engineers
  • Structural and civil engineers
  • Electrical and instrumentation engineers
  • Subsea engineers
  • Construction supervisors
 

Naval Architecture services:

  • Hydrodynamic analysis
  • Hydrostatic analysis
  • Offshore and nearshore mooring systems design 
  • Design in accordance with IMO and class requirements

Process Engineering services:

  • Cryogenic system engineering for LNG, ethane, LPG, and hydrogen
  • Chemical engineering for olefins, biodiesel, and chemical bulk handling
  • Natural gas networks
  • Fuel systems
  • Jetty topsides for conventional oil and LNG
  • FPSO topsides design
  • Process system commissioning
 

Mechanical and Marine Engineering services:

  • Original equipment and machinery design
  • Hydraulic and pneumatic system design
  • Cryogenic pressure vessel design
  • Piping systems design
  • Package engineering
  • Marine systems integrations
  • Cargo and ballast systems, HVAC, and cooling propulsion solutions
 

Safety and Risk Engineering services:

  • Explosion studies
  • Gas dispersion studies
  • Cooling water dispersion studies
  • QRA, HAZOP and HAZID coordination
 

Structural Engineering services:

  • Marine and offshore structure design
  • Structure life extension
  • Fatigue studies
  • Asset integrity
 

Electrical and Instrumentation Engineering services:

  • Load lists
  • Shore-to-ship power connections
  • Power system design
  • LV and MV engineering
  • Subsea electrical systems engineering
  • Process and machinery instrumentation design
 

Subsea Engineering services:

  • ROV operations engineering
  • Subsea intervention engineering
  • Subsea pipeline system design
  • Flexible flowline and umbilical design

FPSO External Riser turret mooring

Mooring Handling LIFTING BEAM GENERAL ASSEMBLY Original Equipment

Hose Reel 3D hybrid render

FPSO Bow Extension 3D modelling

FPSO Decommissioning

Our clients find our experience invaluable during FPSO decommissioning planning and execution, using the INCITIAS teams’ ability to assess the most suitable strategy, based on the project and local authority’s requirements. Our team has extensive experience in the design and installation of FPSO mooring systems, risers and umbilicals.

 

We can support the client decommissioning plan with the following services:

 

  • Decommissioning option selection study and recommendation
  • Cost estimate and assessment of cost escalation
  • Contracting strategy options selection and recommendation
  • Integrated owner engineering team
  • Original equipment to unlock value in the decommissioning plan
  • Project management of decommissioning team and sub-contractor

 

Examples of typical deliverables for FPSO Decommissioning are:

 

  • Execution plan and cost estimation
  • Riser, umbilical and mooring disconnection analysis
  • Vessel spread selection and market enquiry
  • Decommissioning story board, tools and resource lists 
  • Design and build of original equipment 
  • ROV campaign support
  • Decommissioning schedule and procedure
  • Request for quotation, bid assessment and recommendation 
  • HAZID and HAZOP

Single Point Mooring system

Turret Mooring

Independent Verification Design

Working together with INCITIAS, clients can obtain objective evidence of asset compliance with project requirements.

With our independent verification design process, INCITIAS applies an efficient risk-based assessment method to prioritise critical elements of the asset.

 

An INCITIAS comprehensive review can include:

 

  • Desktop review of design documents
  • Review of HAZID, EIA and QRA findings
  • Risk ranking of asset elements
  • Preparation of review plan
  • Client approval of review plan
  • Execute review plan, including on-site performance verification
  • Issue of certification certificate
 

We work together with our clients to ensure the appropriate level of review is carried out.

Operations & Maintenance Support

INCITIAS combines our Engineering expertise with real world Operations and Maintenance experience.  We support our clients with O&M development and management activities including:

 

  • Enterprise management system development
  • Organisation structure development and evaluation
  • Systems and procedures development and review, including detailed procedures, permits and work systems
  • Emergency response systems
  • Defining specific port operations requirements
  • Operation and maintenance training and competency assessment
  • Commissioning activities

Integrated Owner’s Engineering Services

We support Owners with engineering, technical, and project management expertise across LNG, marine, and vessel conversion projects. Our clients can minimise risk and maximise opportunities earlier in project execution, with INCITIAS Owner’s engineering services. 

 

INCITIAS can provide integrated owner’s engineering services for onshore and offshore projects from a client office, site location or remotely from our offices in Melbourne. 

 

Typical services are:

 

  • Design and construction management
  • Customised risk management solutions
  • Specialist LNG process and marine engineering
  • Budget implementation, scheduling, and cost control
  • Non-permanent on-site dedicated offices for project

 

 

Indicative deliverables are:

 

  • Technical document reviews
  • Project bankability documents 
  • Basis of design
  • Functional performance specification
  • Resource plan and project schedule
  • Request for quotation and technical bid evaluation
  • Participation in HAZID, HAZOP, QRA, design reviews
  • FAT (Factory Acceptance Tests) certification
  • Work packs for installation contractor
 

We can be as involved as you require. From specialist resources who consultant on specific aspects of your project, to the provision of a fully integrated Owners team. 

At INCITIAS we develop tailor-made delivery solutions to match your project’s execution strategy and risk profile. Offering a full range of alternative delivery methods enables us to deliver the most effective project outcomes for you.

CLP Jetty Installation during the daytime

Advisory Services

INCITIAS offers integrated technical and commercial advisory services to assist clients advance their projects and provide support for their decision-making process. Clients can reduce risk and maximise opportunities by accessing our team of advisory specialists’ wealth of experience.

 

Typical advisory services are:

 

  • Technology assessment and selection. 
  • Commercial risk assessment.
  • Pre-feasibility, feasibility, and pre-FEED and FEED studies.
  • Contract review against the project technical performance.
  • Independent review of project execution plan.
 

INCITIAS techno-commercial advisory services aligns commercial drivers with feasible and proven technical solutions. Our team’s experience includes facility selection, financial assessment, contracting strategies, construction management and project operations. Assisting clients meet their business objectives using our capabilities to provide insights and solutions. 

 

Indicative deliverables are:

 

  • Site selection study
  • Environmental pre-assessment 
  • Technology options, recommendations and definition
  • Review of contract commitment against the facility performance
  • CAPEX and OPEX estimates
  • Financial models, NPV calculation, tolling model, and sensitivity assessment 
  • Project bankability document pack
  • Probabilistic models combining queueing and Monte Carlo assessment for logistic studies
  • HAZID, HAZOP, QRA and project risk assessment 
  • Operations and training requirements definition