Location: Port Bonython, South Australia
Client: Santos
Service: Optical Fibre Installation, Fibre Splicing, Testing and Commissioning
Sector: Industrial Infrastructure, Security and Communications
Project Overview
Apex Communication Technologies was engaged to deliver the complete optical fibre communications backbone for the Port Bonython CCTV Upgrade on behalf of Santos.
The project involved the supply, installation, splicing, testing and commissioning of a large-scale Single Mode Optical Fibre network connecting critical CCTV assets, substations, control rooms and operational facilities across the Port Bonython processing and export terminal.
Working within a live hydrocarbons and industrial processing environment, Apex delivered a robust fibre optic network designed to provide high-speed, reliable communications for security monitoring, operational visibility and future network expansion.
Scope of Works
Apex delivered a comprehensive turnkey fibre optic solution, including:
- Supply of more than 6.8 kilometres of armoured Single Mode Optical Fibre cable
- Installation of 6, 12, 24 and 48-core CST armoured fibre optic cables
- Installation of fibre optic backbone links between control rooms, substations, analyser huts and field locations
- Installation of fibre connections to CCTV camera locations
- Supply and installation of fibre optic break-out termination systems
- Installation of hazardous-area rated field enclosures and communications cabinets
- Fusion splicing of optical fibre cores
- OTDR and Light Source Power Meter testing of all fibre links
- Fibre commissioning, certification and as-built documentation
- Project supervision, quality assurance and HSE management throughout delivery
Key Challenges
Live Industrial Environment
Apex delivered works within an operational Santos facility, requiring strict adherence to site safety requirements, permit processes and HSE procedures.
Large-Scale Site Coordination
The project required coordination across multiple installation fronts, with long-distance fibre routes running through existing cable tray and conduit infrastructure.
Hazardous Area Requirements
Working within a heavy industrial and hydrocarbons environment required specialised installation methods, hazardous-area rated infrastructure and careful planning.
Operational Continuity
Apex completed the fibre installation and commissioning while minimising disruption to ongoing plant operations and integrating new communications infrastructure with existing site systems.
Apex Solution
Apex deployed experienced fibre technicians, supervisors and project personnel to deliver the works safely, efficiently and to the required technical standard.
The solution included:
- End-to-end fibre network implementation
- High-density fibre termination and management systems
- Hazardous-area communications infrastructure
- Stainless steel communications enclosures and protective conduit systems
- Comprehensive OTDR and Light Source Power Meter testing
- Detailed as-built documentation and final handover packages
Through detailed planning, quality control and strong stakeholder engagement, Apex successfully completed the installation, splicing and commissioning while maintaining compliance with Santos operational and safety requirements.
Project Outcomes
- Successful delivery of a site-wide CCTV communications network
- Installation and commissioning of critical optical fibre infrastructure supporting Santos operations
- Reliable, high-performance connectivity across operational facilities and remote camera locations
- Full testing, certification and documentation provided
- Safe delivery within a live industrial environment
- Scalable fibre infrastructure capable of supporting future operational growth and technology upgrades
Project Highlights
- Client: Santos
- Location: Port Bonython, South Australia
- Service: Optical Fibre Installation, Fibre Splicing, Testing and Commissioning
- Network: Site-wide CCTV communications backbone
- Cable Types: 6F, 12F, 24F and 48F Single Mode Optical Fibre
- Environment: Live industrial and hazardous area facility
- Deliverables: Installation, splicing, testing, certification and documentation