Gas Carriers
The global need for cleaner energy is boosting demand for gas. Gas carriers are the vital link in gas infrastructure.
Stricter environmental regulations have increased the popularity of gas worldwide. Gas is an attractive solution for reducing GHG emissions. As demand for this fuel grows, so does demand for gas carriers to transport it. New vessels are being built to accommodate using Liquid Natural Gas (LNG) as marine fuel mainly, and other gaseous fuels in the future.
Bureau Veritas supports the development of key gas supply chain infrastructure and innovative carriers. We leverage our expertise to help customers expand their gas carrier fleets safely and efficiently, closely monitoring the balance between environmental efficiency and manageable operation costs.
HOW WE SUPPORT YOU
As the first classification society to create dedicated Rules, Bureau Veritas has a long history in gas carriers. We are experts in carriers that transport Liquid Petroleum Gas (LPG) and LNG, as well as their containment systems. This expertise enables us to assess vessels of all types and sizes.
 | A LONG HISTORY OF LNG INNOVATIONAs pioneers in LNG classification, Bureau Veritas has the knowledge to class all types of liquefied natural gas carriers. Our technical experts are ready to address all challenges and support industry stakeholders in the safe development of new solutions. |
 | APPROVAL OF CARGO CONTAINMENT SYSTEMSBureau Veritas offers in-depth knowledge of gas cargo containment systems thanks to our extensive experience working on concept approvals for manufacturers. This expertise makes Bureau Veritas the primary partner for containment system designers and shipyards. |
WHAT IS BOIL-OFF IN GAS CARRIERS? HOW CAN IT BE REDUCED?
LNG tankers transport liquefied natural gas at a temperature close to vaporization (-163°C). Despite tank insulation, even a small amount of heat will result in slight evaporation of the cargo, which is called “boil-off.” Boil-off can also occur in refrigerated LPG carriers. Bureau Veritas analyzes and issues approvals for containment systems that minimize boil-off, resulting in improved performance.
 | ADDRESSING SLOSHING RISKIn a partially filled tank, the liquid motion can cause dynamic pressures. The "sloshing" can cause damage to some containment systems. Sloshing may present a challenge for gas-carrying vessels as flexible cargo operations and floating storage regasification projects become more common, in particular in membrane LNG carriers. Our advanced Hydrofoam and OpenFoam CFD software allow us to precisely simulate the hydrodynamic behavior of a ship and calculate the liquid motion within the cargo tanks, reducing the risk of sloshing. |
PIONEERING LNG BUNKERINGLNG bunkering vessels supply ships with fuel making them crucial to the widespread adoption of LNG as a marine fuel. Bureau Veritas was among the first classification societies to publish dedicated Rules for LNG bunkering and classed the first-ever dedicated newbuild ship. We are the market leader in LNG bunkering vessels, including ships with a gas carrying capacity of up to 20,000 m3 and containment systems ranging from semi-pressurized tanks to membrane tanks. |
 | SUPPORTING SHIP CONVERSIONSBureau Veritas is also a leader in the classification of Floating Storage and Regasification Units (FSRUs), including conversions of ships into efficient floating LNG terminals. |
A LEADER IN ICE CLASSIce-ready and Arctic-ready LNG vessels are a growing area of focus. Bureau Veritas offers a range of class notations, based on extensive research into ice loads and navigation on ice. |  |
 | Expertise in LPGWith the boom in US shale exports, demand for liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) carriers has rapidly expanded, including everything from mid-sized to very large long-distance vessels carrying ethane. Thanks to our extensive experience classing these versatile LPG carriers, Bureau Veritas offers the technical knowledge to improve your vessels’ safety and environmental performance. |
ENHANCED SHIP EFFICIENCY AND DECARBONIZATIONBureau Veritas simplifies decarbonization complexity by focusing on optimizing energy use, fuel spend and regulatory cost exposure. We support sustainable ship performance by providing Carbon Intensity Indicator ratings, GHG reporting, ETS calculations and compliance benchmarking. Our SEECAT software simulates scenarios using propulsion system alternatives and compares fuel consumption and GHG emissions across different vessel design concepts. |
ADDRESSING CYBERSECURITY
Technological advancements like intelligent data and connected equipment present new challenges for shipping. Gas tanker managers and owners must now protect their fleets from cyberattacks. Attacks are growing in number and sophistication, making cybersecurity a priority for shipping industry stakeholders.
Bureau Veritas knows that cybersecurity is essential to safety management in shipping and offshore operations. This is why we provide best-in-class cybersecurity services built on our deep knowledge of industrial control systems, smart ships, networks and telecommunications. We provide:
- A global network of cybersecurity experts to secure ship designs and run efficient testing
- Cyber compliance, detailed notations and practical guidelines for ships in service and newbuilds
- Industry-leading regulation compliance for BIMCO, Flag administration, IMO, IACS, OCIMF and more
LNG Value Chain
Photo credits ©Tsakos, Dynagas, GTT, MOL, Excelerate and Naftomar
