LNG Carriers are specialised vessels that transport LNG at extremely low temperatures, around -162 degrees Celsius, to keep the gas in a liquid state. These ships are a vital link in the global natural gas supply chain, enabling the bulk movement of LNG from production centres to worldwide markets.
Modern LNG Carriers range from 135,000 to 175,000 m3, but the biggest, like the Q-Flex and Q-Max classes, can carry around 210,000 and 266,000 m3 of LNG.
The biggest LNG Carriers operating today are undoubtedly the Q-Max class, specifically ships like Mozah and her sisters.
These behemoths, operated by Qatargas and Nakilat, have an LNG carrying capacity of 266,000 m3 and a length of 345 m, and a width of 53 to 55 m with a 12 m draft.
14 Q-Max ships are currently operational and feature advanced systems, which will be discussed in this article.
Mozah was built in 2008 by Samsung Heavy Industries and is the world’s largest LNG carrier, a title it shares with its sister ships since all Q-Max vessels have the same maximum capacity and dimensions.
Though new design concepts and new builds are being proposed, such as by Chinese shipyards, which may surpass the Q-Max in capacity, as of May 2025, Q-Max remains the largest LNG-class in active service.
The biggest LNG Carrier is powered by two MAN B&W slow-speed and electronically controlled diesel engines, which burn heavy fuel oil. This is more efficient and environmentally friendly than steam turbines.
If the engine fails, one engine can be decoupled, enabling the ship to maintain a speed of 14 knots, though it can attain a maximum speed of 19.5 knots.
These ships have around 40% less energy needs and lower carbon emissions than traditional LNG Carriers.
They also have a membrane-type LNG containment system, with the biggest shipboard LNG tanks ever constructed.
Other advanced systems include an onboard re-liquefaction system for handling boil-off gas, liquefying it and returning the LNG to the cargo tanks, reducing cargo losses and environmental impact.
They also have advanced fire-fighting systems which use fog water and foam instead of carbon dioxide. They also feature hull antifouling protection and better insulation modules in their cargo tanks to lessen LNG-boil off.
These ships are massive and were designed to berth at Qatar’s Ras Laffan Terminal, maximising compatibility with major LNG export infrastructure.
Each vessel can carry enough LNG to supply around 70,000 homes for an entire year.
Since they accommodate such big volumes in a single trip, transport and fuel costs are also reduced, making these Q-Max Carriers a benchmark for efficiency, maritime safety and performance in the LNG industry.
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