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Rising LNG demand: Overcoming
bunkering challenges
LNG’s role in the energy transition is growing,
especially with the uptake in shipping. Martin
Cartwright, Global Business Director, Gas Carriers &
FSRUs at DNV, explores this trend, the challenges of
meeting future LNG demand, and key safety
considerations for bunkering.
" 8 Minutes
# 11 February, 2025
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LNG markets are experiencing significant growth. This surge is
driven by rising global demand for natural gas, particularly from
China, and disruptions caused by major geopolitical events like the
conflict in Ukraine. As a result, LNG demand has reached
unprecedented levels.
LNG marine fuel use surges amid decarbonization
efforts
The use of LNG as a marine fuel is also skyrocketing, driven by
market and regulatory pressure to decarbonize the maritime
industry. According to DNV’s Alternative Fuels Insights (AFI)
platform, 642 LNG-powered vessels are currently in operation,
excluding LNG carriers. Of these, 169 were delivered in 2024, setting
a record. Additionally, 264 new orders for LNG-fuelled vessels were
placed in 2024, also a record and more than double the number of
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orders placed in 2023.
The growth curve is set to get even steeper: according to the AFI
order book, the number of LNG-powered vessels in operation is set
to double by the end of the decade.
Growth of LNG-fuelled fleet
LNG bunkering infrastructure lagging behind demand
With the LNG fleet expanding rapidly, the need for supporting LNG
bunkering infrastructure is intensifying. The amount of LNG
consumed by LNG-fuelled ships has already seen a steep increase,
with over 500% growth registered between 2020 and 2024.
A similar growth rate is expected over the next five years. However,
LNG bunkering vessels are not keeping pace, resulting in a
significant gap between LNG bunkering supply and demand, with
the issue being more pronounced in some regions than others.
A closer look at the LNG bunkering fleet
In general, there are three categories of small and medium-sized
LNG bunkering vessels: LNG feeder vessels, LNG bunker vessels and
LNG bunker barges. These range between 1,000 and 20,000 m3 in
capacity and can be used either in or out of port.
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Growth of LNG bunker fleet
Some 64 LNG bunkering vessels are in operation today, with a
further 16 on order. Around 42% of these vessels are larger than
10,000 m3, with another 37% in the 5,000 to 10,000 m3 range.
Bunker fleet by tank capacity
These vessels are quite evenly spread across the globe, with 42%
located in Europe, 28% in Asia and 18% spread across North and
South America.
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Bunker fleet by region
Of the LNG bunkering vessels on order, three are expected to come
online in 2025, with a further five scheduled for completion in 2026
and the remaining expected to be delivered in 2027 and 2028.
In 2024, there were 191 ports with active LNG bunkering facilities,
such as LNG storage tanks and dedicated berths for LNG bunkering
vessels, as well as ready access to LNG supply. A further 81 ports
have facilities under construction.
Closing the gap
Looking at the order book, this gap between LNG bunkering
demand and supply is expected to get even wider over the next five
years. How can this be closed?
More yard space is crucial. In recent years there has been a shift in
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the kinds of yards that have an appetite to build these kinds of
vessels. In particular, several yards which were previously engaged
in constructing small gas carriers have progressed towards the
construction of medium and large gas carriers, so there are now
different yards at play for the smaller-sized vessels.
Key safety considerations for LNG bunkering
LNG bunkering is a complex business, and when it comes to safe
operation some key considerations need to be taken into account.
One critical aspect of LNG management is handling the cargo heel,
which involves maintaining a small amount of LNG in the tank to
keep its temperature stable. This practice prevents the tank from
warming up and generating excessive boil-off gas, which can lead to
increased pressure.
Managing pressure during loading is crucial. To avoid overpressure
situations, it is essential to monitor and control tank pressure.
Pressure relief systems help manage any excess pressure
effectively.
Additionally, effective vapour management is crucial for handling
the boil-off gas produced during bunkering. This can be done by reliquefying the gas, using it as fuel, or safely venting it.
Ensuring safe and steady LNG loading
The LNG loading process must be carefully controlled to ensure a
steady and safe transfer. Monitoring flow rates and temperatures is
crucial to prevent rapid changes that could cause thermal stress.
The vapour return flow system is essential during loading, as it
returns displaced vapours from the receiving tank back to the
supply tank, maintaining pressure balance and reducing the risk of
overpressure.
Additionally, overpressure protection systems, such as pressure
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relief valves, are vital to prevent tank rupture or damage. These
systems automatically release pressure if it exceeds safe limits,
ensuring the integrity of the tanks and the safety of the entire
operation.
The importance of redundancy measures in LNG
bunkering
Certain safety practices should be observed at all times during LNG
bunkering. Redundancy measures are crucial, ensuring backup
systems can handle any failures or malfunctions. If a component like
a propeller, pressure relief valve or cargo pump fails, another can
take over to maintain safety and prevent accidents. These measures
also ensure smooth commercial operations and an uninterrupted
LNG supply chain.
At DNV, we support the LNG bunkering industry with notations like
AP (alternative propulsion), RP (redundant propulsion) and Gas
Bunker, ensuring strong redundancy on vessels. We have been
involved in developing bunkering procedures and will continue to
help the industry evolve.
Training is crucial as LNG bunkering becomes more common. More
trained personnel, including LNG vessel crews and bunkering
specialists, will be needed to ensure smooth and safe operations.
Shore power – a promising solution for LNG bunker
vessels
While LNG use reduces emissions by around 20% compared to
conventionally fuelled vessels, further reductions are necessary.
Options include energy efficiency technologies like fuel cells, but
shore power appears most promising.
DNV’s Maritime Forecast to 2050 report shows that well-to-wake
emissions from on-board generators are higher than almost all
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cases of shore power, even when produced from fossil fuels. Shore
power also benefits local environments by reducing direct
emissions. The report estimates that port power accounts for about
7% of total maritime industry power use, much of which can be
abated with shore power.
Push for shore power expansion for bunkering vessels
While this is promising, the nature of bunkering vessels means that
this figure can be much higher. Bunkering vessels tend to operate
close to or within port limits. Like ferries, their routes are short and
predictable, making them ideal candidates for shore power,
electrification and battery use.
For this to become more prevalent, more buy-in is needed from LNG
bunker vessel operators, fuel owners and especially port owners
and operators. Significant investment is required to expand and
modernize infrastructure at terminals. These players will also need
support from local authorities to modernize and expand grid
capacity to handle increased demand.
Ports like Abu Dhabi, Rotterdam and Los Angeles are making strides
in shore power infrastructure.
Broad prospects for LNG bunkering vessels
What does the future hold for LNG bunkering vessels? It is now clear
that the lifespan of LNG as a marine fuel is likely to be significantly
longer than many stakeholders believed a few years ago. If the need
for these vessels diminishes in the future, they can be repurposed as
interregional LNG carriers for small-scale LNG trade.
More importantly, these vessels could be used for bunkering bio and
synthetic LNG, provided we develop more efficient value chains for
these green fuels. These fuels are compatible with current LNG
infrastructure and engines, offering a path to greener ambitions.
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LNG bunkering vessels are in high demand, and those investing now
can be confident that these vessels will be utilized for many years,
playing a key role in the maritime energy transition.
Contact us
Martin Cartwright
Global Business Director, Gas Carriers & FSRUs
Send email
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