Senior officials at energy companies emphasised that the natural gas liquefaction industry is moving toward digitalising operational processes, but this requires some time to achieve, due to the radical changes digitalisation may bring to the sector.
This came during a panel discussion on digital transformation in the LNG industry, held on the final day of the 21st International Conference on Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG 2026), where participants discussed strategic innovations and future trends in digital transformation in the LNG industry, and how advanced technologies can revolutionise the sector.
They also discussed the role of artificial intelligence and machine learning in improving operational processes in the LNG industry, enhancing predictive maintenance, and increasing the efficiency of supply chains, in addition to strengthening cybersecurity measures to protect critical LNG infrastructure from cyber threats and ensure the safety of digital operations.
Participants also addressed the application of digital twin technology to create virtual replicas of LNG facilities, enabling better asset management and higher operational efficiency.
Vice President of Gas and Low-Carbon Energy at Technip Energies Dominique Gadelle noted that digitalising the LNG industry requires time to change ways of working that have been in place for decades, stressing that the energy sector does not favour rapid change and therefore evolves gradually.
He said doesn't think they can erase everything and start from scratch. So, it's more like educating people and explaining things to them, because to move forward on this digital path, everyone needs to understand the importance of digitalisation and be confident that they are heading in the right direction. Digitalisation of the sector will be gradual, it may take some time, but they will get there in the end.
Senior Vice-President of Energy Sectors for the Middle East and Africa at ABB, Bjart Pedersen confirmed that the updates required in existing facilities to enable digitalisation and AI will take some time, as well as the need for qualified personnel to implement them.
He said applying digital technologies in LNG facilities is essential, and providing the required expertise to support them is necessary, but it is a process that takes time before long-term results are visible.
In the same context, Senior Vice-President at ABS Joshua Divin explained that the energy sector is conservative and risk-averse, particularly regarding safety, as there are many concerns that must be considered.
Perhaps, he added, this aversion to risk is because they are not in a race against time; maybe they are slightly slower, believing they need to put more effort into the regulatory aspect regarding safety and ensuring the safe use of artificial intelligence.
