Supagas is a key partner for Australia’s oil and gas sector, providing reliable, on-time delivery of essential industrial gases to some of the country’s largest energy projects.
Olga Lonsdale, Oil and Gas Account Manager, explains how the company overcomes supply chain challenges, upholds rigorous safety standards, and adapts to shifts in a rapidly evolving market.
The demands of Australia’s oil and gas industry are persistent, but ensuring reliable supply lines to keep operations running smoothly is an opportunity Supagas is equipped to meet, serving LNG operators and offshore projects nationwide with critical gases – including liquid nitrogen and specialty gases for laboratory analysis.
Lonsdale’s path to Supagas took her from accounting into oil and gas, ultimately moving into a business management role before joining the company in 2018, where she is now their Oil and Gas Account Manager. Since then, she’s used her sector expertise to strengthen ties and build strong relationships with some of Australia’s top LNG facility operators –– as well as contractors across the supply chain. Supagas supplies everything from liquid nitrogen to calibration gases, ensuring seamless operations at offshore and onshore facilities alike.
“Although Oil and gas is not the largest part of Supagas’s business, it is certainly one of the most valuable,” Lonsdale said.
“These long-term relationships allow us to deeply understand the industry’s unique challenges, and we’re always ready to respond to emerging demands – whether that’s ensuring deliveries arrive on time or helping operators manage surges in gas requirements.”
Navigating the challenges of gas delivery offshore
Transporting liquid nitrogen and other essential gases to offshore platforms can present complex logistical hurdles. Supagas has invested in certified offshore gas containers, specifically designed to meet the stringent industry standards for safe lifting onto offshore facilities.
“The logistics of getting liquid nitrogen to remote facilities are particularly demanding during peak maintenance periods or unexpected outages,” Lonsdale said.
“The equipment we use is certified for offshore conditions, so we know it will withstand harsh environments and arrive ready to perform.”
During high-demand periods, Supagas leverages its network of trusted partners to source additional stock, ensuring an uninterrupted supply to major LNG facilities.
“At times, demand is so high that our products are quickly welcomed and utilised as soon as they arrive. Having reliable local and international partners we can call on at a moment’s notice is essential,” Lonsdale said.
Sustainability and adaptability in a volatile market
As energy markets shift towards sustainability, Supagas has proactively invested in initiatives. Solar power now supports many Supagas facilities, helping to reduce its environmental impact.
“We’ve implemented measures to address price volatility in our contracts, allowing us to adjust rates when needed while maintaining operational efficiency,” Lonsdale explained.
“By actively managing our costs, we’re helping clients navigate fluctuating global energy prices without sacrificing service quality.”
Prioritising safety and compliance
Safety and compliance aren’t just priorities in oil and gas; they’re industry fundamentals. Supagas’s health and safety team works rigorously to ensure all standards are met, not only by Supagas staff but also by contractors and clients.
“Our safety team is extremely proactive as this is our number one priority,” Lonsdale said.
“They provide the support needed to ensure everyone – from our team to our clients’ contractors – meets the highest safety standards. In oil and gas, safety is everything.”
Challenging misconceptions about gas and renewables
Lonsdale often encounters the belief that renewable energy can seamlessly replace gas.
“Many think we can switch to renewables overnight, but gas remains essential in the transition to a low-carbon future,” she said.
Supagas’ industrial gases will continue to play an important role in maintaining existing energy infrastructure while supporting the gradual shift to sustainable solutions.
The ‘Yes We Can’ approach
At Supagas, the motto ‘Yes We Can’ is more than a slogan – it’s a commitment to delivering for clients, especially in urgent situations. Lonsdale recalls an instance when a major LNG facility faced an unexpected outage and urgently required liquid nitrogen.
“We coordinated with the client daily, adapting logistics and mobilising teams across multiple facilities to meet demand,” she said.
“When clients come to us with a pressing need, our answer is always, ‘Yes – we can.’”