Energy distribution in some regions still relies on pipelines. But what happens when pipelines aren’t an option? The solution is LNG carriers.
These specialized vessels enable diversification in the energy supply chain, playing a crucial role in maintaining energy availability and security.
So, is it true that without LNG carriers, the global energy supply could stop? Let’s find out.
What Is an LNG Carrier?
An LNG carrier is a specialized ship designed to transport Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) in liquid form.
These ships are built with double hulls to enhance safety and reduce the risk of leaks if the outer hull is damaged.
LNG itself is natural gas that has been cooled to around -162° Celsius to convert it into liquid form. For storage, LNG is kept in highly insulated cryogenic tanks designed to maintain stable temperatures throughout the voyage.
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How Does an LNG Carrier Work?
LNG carriers play a critical role in delivering LNG to locations that lack pipeline infrastructure. The shipping process involves several stages:
Loading LNG at the Liquefaction Terminal
The journey begins at a liquefaction terminal, where natural gas is cooled to about -162°C to convert it into liquid form.
The LNG is then pumped into the carrier’s tanks through a cryogenic piping system, ensuring it can be transported efficiently in large quantities over long distances.
Onboard Storage System
To keep LNG in liquid form during transport, the vessel is equipped with highly insulated cryogenic tanks. Two main designs are used:
- Moss spherical tanks (sphere-shaped)
- Membrane tanks (featuring special membrane layers)
These tanks maintain stable temperatures and minimize evaporation.
However, some natural evaporation, known as boil-off gas (BOG), still occurs. Instead of being wasted, this gas is either used as fuel for the ship or reliquefied using special equipment.
Alongside the tanks and insulation system, LNG carriers feature double-hull construction for extra safety in case of outer hull damage.
Unloading LNG at the Regasification Terminal
Once the ship reaches its destination, LNG is offloaded using pumps and transferred to onshore storage facilities. After that, it is reheated and converted back into gas through regasification.
Finally, the natural gas is fed into the pipeline network for use by power plants, industries, and end consumers.
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The Vital Role of LNG Carriers in Global Energy Supply
Not every location has pipeline access. That’s why LNG carriers are essential in connecting production sites to consumers. Here’s why they’re so important:
Connecting Production to Consumption
Most natural gas reserves are located far from major consumer markets.
LNG carriers make it possible to transport gas across thousands of kilometers of ocean to countries that need it, including regions that are inaccessible by pipelines due to geographical, political, or economic barriers.
Ensuring Energy Supply Security
LNG also strengthens energy security. A clear example is Europe, which once relied heavily on pipeline gas from Russia.
With LNG infrastructure, Europe can now import gas from other countries, reducing dependency on a single supplier.
Diversifying supply through LNG helps nations maintain stable energy flows, support economic growth, and enhance overall energy resilience.
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What Happens If LNG Carriers Stop Operating?
If the global LNG carrier fleet were to stop operating, the consequences for the energy market would be severe: the world’s energy supply could grind to a halt.
As the main link in the LNG supply chain, halting transportation would cut off gas flows to countries heavily reliant on LNG imports.
Such disruptions would lead to severe supply shortages, especially in nations that depend on LNG. This could result in energy rationing, production shutdowns, and even widespread power outages.
On top of that, the global gas market would experience a massive price surge. Countries that import large volumes of LNG would scramble to secure alternative supplies.
If LNG deliveries are disrupted, nations that shifted to LNG may revert to coal or petroleum to meet their energy needs.
This would undermine global efforts to cut emissions and combat climate change.
References:
- Energy Education. Accessed 2025. LNG Carrier
- US Department of Energy. Accessed 2025. Liquefied Natural Gas
- ESDM. Accessed 2025. Supergrid, Solusi Ketidakseimbangan Supply dan Demand Listrik EBT
