Keeping security tight

FFT (Future Fibre Technologies)

Oil and gas companies’ operations often stretch the globe, making them particularly difficult to defend against theft and sabotage. But without the right action plan the consequences could be disastrous and extremely costly. Industry expert Alec Owen gives his thoughts on security and suggests what needs to be done.

O&G. What do energy companies need to do to protect facilities and mitigate risks, especially in the area of counterterrorism?
Alec Owen. In overall terms, the most important thing to do is to have a security plan, a response strategy and a response mechanism in place. Sure, you need to be able to detect and identify threats to facilities but this is of little value without an action plan outlining what to do when a break-in does occur.

There are two major risk areas to be managed, firstly the protection of oil and gas facilities themselves and secondly, the protection of the oil and gas transport infrastructure – the pipelines. Each of these areas needs to be addressed and a different solution is required for each.  

O&G. We have seen companies appointing heads of security to deal with the concern. Why do you think the oil companies, particularly the majors, have intensified their security efforts in recent years?
AO. As the price of crude oil has increased, oil has become more attractive as a vehicle for political and financial destabilisation through terrorist activities.   Not only could a terrorist cripple an oil-producing country’s income by taking out a refinery, but it could potentially drive up the world price for crude oil, hitting the consumers (mainly in the West) as well. Higher oil prices also mean that any disruption to production can significantly impact the bottom line for oil companies. In poorer oil-producing countries, higher oil prices make it even more attractive for thieves to steal product from the pipelines through illegal tapping. 

O&G. From your experience, are there any unique security/surveillance issues that companies face in the Middle East compared to other parts of the world?
AO.  The first thing that comes to mind is the extremes. Temperatures can range from near zero overnight to almost 50°C during the day and there are sand storms and high coastal winds. All of these play havoc with equipment,

reducing the life of electronics and literally moving equipment. The Middle East is also one of the most heavily armed regions in the world, with any number of active regional conflicts driven by history, ethnicity, religion, politics, and territorial disputes.  These can quickly escalate to an attack on an oil or gas installation simply as a reprisal or to gain territory.

O&G. How are your products and solutions aiding security efforts within this sector?
AO. At Future Fibre Technologies, we have specialised in the design and manufacture of fibre optic based intrusion detection systems since 1994. Our equipment requires no electronics or power in the field, making it ideal for the hostile Middle East conditions and intrinsically safe for use at oil and gas facilities. We are the only intrusion detection system manufacturer using technology which clearly differentiates between a legitimate intrusion event and naturally occurring and environmental events such as high winds and sand storms, virtually eliminating nuisance alarms. Our technology can also detect intruders on perimeter fences and activity around oil and gas transmission pipelines.

Alec Owen, International Client Manager for Future Fibre Technologies Pty Ltd., has more than 25 years experience in the management and commercialisation of high-tech businesses, specifically in the areas of setting up international distribution channels, international operations, training, marketing and sales support. He holds a Certificate of Technology (Communications) and a Diploma of Frontline Business Management.