UK: South Hook LNG Powers into Cloud with IBM and NTT Europe

IBM, NTT Europe and South Hook LNG Terminal Company Ltd., operators of the largest Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) re-gasification terminal in Europe, announced a 5-year agreement for IBM and NTT to deliver cloud computing services to South Hook’s operations in London and in Milford Haven, Wales.

With the ability to receive and re-gasify up to 20% of the UK’s gas demand, South Hook aims to be globally recognised for excellence in safety and reliability, whilst being a considerate and environmentally focused neighbour. The South Hook Terminal in Milford Haven is a final destination for shipments of LNG arriving in the UK from Qatar.

By moving the IT supporting this process into a private cloud, South Hook is purchasing a customised solution which is secure, provides more flexibility and uses less energy.- “Reliability, resilience and 24×7 support is key to ensuring the reliability of our business” said Mohammed Al Naimi, South Hook’s Director & General Manager. “This new solution from IBM and NTT Europe will help us grow and strengthen our international leadership and provide considerable cost, time and energy savings for South Hook and our customers. We feel the introduction of cloud computing is a key transformational step for us on our journey, he said.

“South Hook is known for being at the forefront of the international liquefied natural gas industry,” said Jacqueline Davey, Vice President of IBM Business Partner Organisation and member of the IBM UKI Cloud Governance Board. “Along with being able to take advantage of IBM’s experience in the energy industry, our cloud computing services delivered with IBM Business Partner NTT Europe will enable them to flexibly allocate resources when and where they need it, giving South Hook the upper hand in the fast-changing energy market.”

”NTT Europe has been working closely with IBM for a number of years”, said Damian Skendrovic, VP Managed Services at NTT Europe, “Our blueprint ‘Secured IT as a Service’ , Hosted IPT and WAN services underpin IBM’s industry specific cloud delivery model for South Hook LNG and we are delighted to continue to partner with IBM to provide outsourced ICT services.”

The contract was signed in May 2011.

The project went live immediately after signing and the first phase is due for completion in October 2011.

[mappress]

Source: IBM, June 13, 2011;