Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) carriers

Spearheading the energy transition

Liquefied natural gas (LNG) is the transition fuel of choice for marine stakeholders as the world moves towards net-zero emissions. Global demand for LNG has led to huge investments in production, infrastructure and the international development of distribution networks, fueling increased demand for LNG shipping.

Still, LNG carriers face a range of technical, structural and safety challenges, as vessels require sophisticated technology to transport and maintain their liquefied cargo. This in turn makes LNG shipping a capital-intensive business from both a CAPEX and OPEX perspective.

A pioneer in the classification of LNG carriers, Bureau Veritas has over five decades of experience helping clients find safe, reliable and efficient solutions. Our expertise enables us to class ships of all sizes and LNG containment systems, ensuring safety, improving environmental performance and protecting ships sailing in harsh environments.

Ensuring structural integrity

Standard LNG carriers can measure up to 300 meters, making structural fitness and fatigue analysis key safety concerns for our clients. Our VeriSTAR-HULL and FAT notations effectively address structural safety for large ships and have been applied to a majority of LNG carriers.

Assessing onboard technologies

Cargo containment, reliquification and propulsion systems must meet high standards of safety and reliability in order to transport LNG. Bureau Veritas experts have been working with manufacturers on the concept approval and certification of many innovative solutions, giving us profound insight into the key issues to be addressed. Our advanced proprietary software helps owners specifically manage sloshing risk by calculating the exact motion of liquid within tanks, improving safety and avoiding spillage.

DOWNLOAD OUR LATEST TECHNOLOGY REPORT: MODERN LNG CARRIER TECHNOLOGY

Developing Arctic-going LNG carriers

Thanks to our work on the YAMAL LNG project, Bureau Veritas was able to further expand our expertise with LNG carriers. We offer a thorough understanding of polar-class, ice-breaking LNG carriers, with a focus on winterization to ensure safety under the harshest conditions.

LEARN MORE ABOUT THE COMPLEX FUTURE OF ARCTIC TRAVEL

Gas Agility - Bunkering Tanker - Credit MOL

Evaluating LNG bunkering technologies

Newbuild technology is evolving, with different types of LNG containment and transfer systems now available for LNG bunkering vessels. New designs must be thoroughly evaluated for safety, regulatory compliance and ship-to-ship bunkering compatibility. Our experts are working with vessel owners and equipment manufacturers to assess new technologies and provide class approval.

LNG Bunkering at Risavika terminal - Credit Coral Energy

Managing break bulk activities

Small-scale LNG parceling is a smart option for geographic areas not connected to the gas grid. Projects are underway in the Caribbean, Indonesia and other areas to deliver clean energy while limiting carbon emissions. Bureau Veritas is using its technical and classification expertise to support the development of small-scale carriers that can safely deliver LNG to remote locations.

LNG Tanker - Alisa Larus - courtesy of NYK

A key transition fuel for shipping

To comply with current regulations and set the course for reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, ship owners and operators can use LNG as an alternative to fuel oil. As decarbonizations advances, owners will be able to exchange fossil-based LNG for drop-in fuels such as liquid biogas (LBG) and synthetic natural gas (SNG) without modifying their vessels.

Dicover the PATHWAYS TO DECARBONIZATION

56% Increase in global LNG demand since 2000

35% BV’s market share in small scale LNG carriers

50% of LNG bunkering ships worldwide in operation are BV classed

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Photo Credits: SCF, GTT, MOL, Coral Energy, NYK