Key Specifications
Purpose-built LNG dual-fuel vessels (container, tanker, cruise, ferry)
Technical Detail
Infrastructure required
LNG bunkering requires cryogenic storage tanks, specialised bunkering vessels or trucks, and crew training on gas handling. The fuel must remain at -162°C; boil-off during storage adds operational complexity. Capital cost for LNG-fuelled vessels is 15-25% higher than conventional equivalents.
Port availability
LNG bunkering is commercial at Rotterdam, Singapore, Algeciras, Barcelona, Fujairah (developing), Zeebrugge, and an expanding list of other ports. Global coverage is steadily improving but nothing like the ubiquity of VLSFO.
Methane slip
Methane is a potent greenhouse gas (~28-86× CO₂ over various timeframes). Four-stroke Otto-cycle LNG engines have higher methane slip than two-stroke diesel-cycle engines. Regulators are beginning to factor methane slip into lifecycle GHG calculations, which tightens LNG's GHG advantage.
Future role
LNG is generally viewed as a transition fuel. It reduces GHG versus HFO but does not reach zero carbon. Bio-LNG and e-LNG (synthetic methane) could achieve deeper reductions but at significant cost and with limited supply. Long-term decarbonisation likely moves to ammonia, methanol, or hydrogen derivatives.
Where to Bunker LNG
Ports in our directory where LNG is available as a standard commercial grade:
Frequently Asked Questions
Is LNG zero-carbon?
No. Burning LNG still emits CO₂, just 20-25% less than equivalent fuel oil per energy unit. Accounting for methane slip reduces the GHG advantage further. LNG is a transition fuel, not a zero-carbon solution.
Which ports have LNG bunkering?
Rotterdam, Singapore, Algeciras, Zeebrugge, Fujairah, Barcelona, Gothenburg, and a growing list. Port coverage is expanding rapidly but check current status at your specific intended port.
What is methane slip?
Unburnt methane passing through the engine into exhaust. Amount depends on engine type and load. Two-stroke diesel-cycle engines have very low slip; four-stroke Otto-cycle engines have higher slip. Slip reduces LNG's GHG advantage.
Is LNG more expensive than VLSFO?
Per energy unit, LNG fuel cost has varied with gas markets — sometimes cheaper, sometimes more expensive than VLSFO. Include the higher capex of LNG-fuelled vessels in total cost calculations.