Compared to the rest of shipping, which is as old as the oldest civilization, the marine transportation of liquefied gases is very new. It is just over 60 years since the first attempt was made to transport LPG in bulk and it is but 40 years since the vessel “Methane Pioneer” carried the first cargo of LNG.

LPG and LNG are among the least polluting energy sources known in the world today. The accidental release of a gas tanker’s cargo might result in a serious fire but little, if any, lasting environmental pollution. The safety record of the liquefied gas fleet is second to none and gas tankers are listed by all Port State Controls as the type of ship showing the least number of discrepancies.

 

This section is a small insight in the world of marine transportation of liquefied gases. What are the products covered by the term liquefied gases and what sort of ships are used for their carriage.