Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) carriers
PROPELLING THE ENERGY TRANSITION
Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) has emerged as the transition fuel of choice for marine stakeholders as the world moves toward net-zero emissions. Building and operating the LNG carriers needed to carry out this transition comes with a host of technical, structural and safety challenges. Notably, LNG carriers require sophisticated technology to transport and maintain their liquefied cargo at a temperature of around -160°C. These challenges make LNG shipping a capital-intensive business on both the CAPEX and OPEX fronts.
SUPPORTING LNG CARRIER OWNERS AND OPERATORS
Bureau Veritas has over 60 years of experience supporting the LNG ecosystem. We are active across the entire gas value chain, from production to transport, bunkering, storage and utilization. Our clients continue to benefit from our unparalleled technical, environmental, regulatory and classification knowledge for LNG systems. Our Rules and technologies cover LNG carriers and LNG bunkering vessels, as well as Floating Storage and Regasification Units (FSRUs) and Floating Liquefied Natural Gas (FLNG) units.
Global Market Leader for Gas Carriers
Bureau Veritas Marine & Offshore
We know that no part of the LNG ecosystem stands on its own. That is why we have developed uncontested knowledge of LNG systems for production, transportation, bunkering, storage and utilization.
YOUR LNG CARRIER CHALLENGES
Our experts in LNG vessels help you overcome the challenges facing your LNG carrier fleet, including:
- The need to improve ship efficiency and reduce OPEX due to increasing competition and volatile charter rates
- Compliance with current and upcoming regulations, including:
- IMO Carbon Intensity Indicator (CII)
- IMO Energy Efficiency Design Index (EEDI)
- IMO Energy Efficiency Existing Ship Index (EEXI)
- EU Emissions Trading System (ETS)
- FuelEU Maritime
- Expected IMO net zero framework
- Uncertainty over decarbonization pathways
- Readiness to transition to future fuels
- Shipyard capacity constraints and difficulty bringing innovative LNG ship concepts to market
HOW WE SUPPORT YOU
Demand for natural gas is rising. LNG provides a readily available solution that is easily transported anywhere without the need for pipelines. We class LNG carriers of all sizes and relevant installed equipment, helping meet demand in this growing market.
Thanks to our classification Rules, the growing Bureau Veritas classed LNG carrier fleet meets the highest safety and environmental performance standards. Dedicated Rules ensure even ships sailing in harsh environments can operate safely.
Our longstanding LNG expertise and innovation have made us the partner of choice for shipowners, yards and charterers in gas transportation. Our classification expertise and experience supporting new LNG carrier concept designs serve as a strong basis to assess future-ready innovations.
DID YOU KNOW?
Bureau Veritas is the only classification society working across the entire gas value chain.
Thanks to our position within Bureau Veritas Group, Bureau Veritas Marine & Offshore is present everywhere from production to transport, bunkering, storage and utilization. We provide services across the LNG value chain, enabling clients worldwide to embrace this key transition fuel. As leaders in Testing, Inspection and Certification (TIC) services, we offer our expertise for large- and small-scale LNG tankers, FLNGs, FSRUs, floating storage units (FSUs), and floating LNG gas-to-power units.
our lng carriers service
 | ClassificationBureau Veritas classifies newbuild carriers and ships in service, ensuring they are safe and compliant with all regulations and adhere to the highest environmental standards. |
Structural integrityWe assess structural fitness and perform fatigue analysis, which are key safety concerns for LNG carriers. Our VeriSTAR-HULL software and FAT notations have been applied to a majority of LNG carriers. |  |
 | sloshingOur advanced HYDROSTAR and FOAMSTAR software help owners manage sloshing risks for their LNG carriers. |
BunkeringAs experts in decarbonization, we support LNG bunkering clients in decreasing their emissions. |  |
 | Cargo Containment SystemBureau Veritas is deeply familiar with the highly specialized cargo containment systems in LNG carriers. |
CybersecurityWe help operators embrace digitalization while managing a new set of cyber risks. Our global network of cybersecurity experts verify the security of LNG ship designs and runs efficient testing. We provide detailed notations, cyber compliance and practical guidelines for ships in service and newbuilds. |  |
Reference Projects
Project 1Bureau veritas has been chosen by Hudong-Zhonghua Shipbuilding (Group) Co., Ltd to classify the world’s largest LNG carrier. With a capacity of 271,000m3, the vessel incorporates the latest-generation NO96 Super+ membrane containment system and delivers significant advancements in cargo capacity, energy efficiency, environmental performance, and navigational safety. This close partnership and world-class construction program continues, with five more vessels on order. | Project 2We are collaborating with Wärtsilä on a joint development project to optimize LNG carrier efficiency with hybrid-electric carrier designs. The initiative uses BV’s “SEECAT” energy efficiency calculation analysis tool to compare hybrid-electric concepts to conventional designs. |
DIGITALIZATION FOR YOUR LNG CARRIER FLEET
We conduct remote inspections for safer surveys, more efficient reporting and follow-up, and increased collaboration for energy providers and shipowners. We continue to pioneer new inspection techniques using technologies like drones, AI and 3D modeling. Our suite of digital services makes it easier for you to manage your LNG carrier fleet.
Learn more about our digital services for LNG carriers
HELPING YOU DECARBONIZE YOUR LNG CARRIER FLEET
The industry needs flexible and future-ready LNG carrier designs to overcome today’s challenges, improve environmental performance and remain competitive. Bureau Veritas is an expert in gas carriers of all kinds, making us uniquely positioned to support industry players in decarbonizing their LNG carrier fleets.
We are well-versed in modern designs that include a variety of solutions to improve global efficiency, including air lubrication systems, shaft generators, wind-assisted propulsion and hybrid propulsion systems. We assist shipowners, shipyards and equipment manufacturers in the classification of new-generation LNG carriers. We also assist industry partners looking to transition to LNG as a marine fuel.
Technical Director
Maran Gas Maritime
The Maran Marseille, Maran Gas Nice and Maran Gas Antibes LNG carriers incorporate an environmentally friendly design with innovative solutions including air lubrication, shaft generators, an LNG sub-cooler and the latest and more efficient propulsion engine type. The achievement of the construction is the result of the hard work and strong cooperation between all the partners of the project: Samsung Heavy Industries, Maran Gas Maritime, TotalEnergies, Bureau Veritas and all other involved stakeholders. This collaboration with Bureau Veritas is critical as we continue to build a fleet that not only meets the evolving demands of the industry but also leads the way in emissions reduction and energy efficiency.
MODERN LNG CARRIER TECHNOLOGY REPORT
Containment systems, propulsion methods, and reliquefication systems are driving the evolution of LNG carriers. While these technical developments help address new needs for charterers and shipowners, they also pose new challenges. Our Modern LNG Carrier Technology report explores the trends that are reshaping the LNG shipping industry.
GAS CENTER OF EXCELLENCE
Meeting the needs of the expanding LNG sector requires expertise across the gas value chain. Bureau Veritas launched its Gas Center of Excellence in Doha, Qatar, to support LNG and gas projects worldwide. The center focuses on gas carrier operations, classification and regulatory compliance.
Recent News and Trends
Bureau Veritas Verifies Methane Emissions Performance of Brittany Ferries’ LNG fueled Vessels
Hanwha Ocean and Bureau Veritas Launch Joint Development Project for 174,000m3 Membrane-Type LNG Carrier Vessel Design Verification
Wind-Assisted LNG Carrier Concept from Dalian Shipbuilding Secures Bureau Veritas’ AiP for Low-Carbon Operations
An industry united for holistic LNG bunkering safety
Photo Credits: Maran Gas Maritime, GTT, Seapeak, Knutsen, Anthony Veder, NYK
Last updated on 06/26/2026
