Liquefied natural gas (LNG) expertise

A key marine transition fuel

The energy transition is underway for the marine industry, with regulatory bodies enacting legislation that aims to reduce shipping’s environmental impact. To meet International Maritime Organization (IMO) targets and move toward marine decarbonization, some ship owners and operators have turned to liquefied natural gas (LNG) as a key transition fuel. Though it is primarily a fossil fuel, LNG produces lower emissions than heavy fuel oil, offering ship owners a first step toward decarbonization.

Bureau Veritas has decades of expertise working with LNG across the gas value chain and for vessels of all kinds. As a leader in LNG, we support clients in managing the technical, structural and safety challenges of small- and large-scale LNG-powered vessels. Our experience with LNG has prepared us to guide clients through the energy transition, assessing and approving the next generation of innovative technologies.

Providing expertise across the LNG value chain

From production and liquefaction, to transportation, to delivery, Bureau Veritas provides services across the LNG value chain, bringing this key transition fuel to clients worldwide. We offer classification expertise for large- and small-scale LNG carriers, floating liquefied natural gas units (FLNG), floating storage units (FSRUs and FSUs), and floating LNG gas-to-power units.

Improving sustainability for LNG-powered vessels

LNG is an alternative fuel solution suited to ships of all kinds, from containerships and cruise ships, to tankers and dredgers. Bureau Veritas has provided technical and safety support for a wide variety of vessels, fitting newbuilds and retrofitting in-service vessels to use LNG as fuel. This experience has given our experts a strong basis for assessing and verifying the safe integration of alternative fuel technologies onboard.

Approving crucial cargo containment systems

To safely transport LNG, carriers must be equipped with cargo containment, boil-off gas handling and propulsion systems that meet high standards of reliability. These key systems handle onboard LNG – either as fuel or cargo – and Bureau Veritas supports ship owners by assessing new technologies for safety and regulatory compliance.

Ensuring LNG fuel delivery worldwide

To keep LNG-powered vessels sailing, this alternative fuel must be readily available. LNG bunkering vessels crucially facilitate the ship-to-ship transfer of LNG, enabling vessels to refuel in port or at anchorage. Bureau Veritas has long worked with equipment manufacturers to provide approval for new bunkering ship technologies and designs.

Choosing LNG for sustainable Arctic travel

Large swathes of the Arctic and Antarctic are environmentally protected areas. Ships operating in these regions are therefore subject to higher standards of sustainability than vessels sailing elsewhere. Using LNG as fuel can reduce a vessel’s environmental footprint to levels that comply with regional regulations.