GlossaryEN1 min readUpdated: Jun 25, 2026
LNG Bunkering Operations for Cargo Ships
LNG bunkering covers all operations involved in supplying a cargo vessel with liquefied natural gas as marine fuel.
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Source: https://www.imo.org/en/OurWork/Environment/Pages/LNG.aspx
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LNG bunkering covers all operations involved in supplying a cargo vessel with liquefied natural gas as marine fuel. Delivery takes place via three methods: shore-to-ship transfer facilities, dedicated LNG bunkering vessels (ship-to-ship), or tank trucks (truck-to-ship). The process demands specially trained crews, cryogenic hoses rated for temperatures around minus 162 degrees Celsius, and continuous monitoring of pressure, temperature, and flow throughout the transfer. Compared with heavy fuel oil, LNG substantially reduces sulphur oxide emissions and also lowers nitrogen oxide output, which is why it is gaining relevance under the IMO's tightening environmental rules. Global bunkering infrastructure is growing, but still considerably thinner than conventional fuel networks – a practical constraint in voyage planning.
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