LPG tankers or LPG Carriers are specialised vessels designed for the transportation of liquified petroleum gas in bulk, under controlled temperature and pressure conditions. There are different types of LPG tankers, having a different design and size suited for different voyage lengths, ranging from short, medium to long-haul voyages.
This article will discuss everything you need to know about LPG Tankers along with the Types of LPG Tankers and the latest trends in the LPG Tanker Market.
LPG tankers are an intrinsic part of the world’s energy supply chain and ensure the safe and secure delivery of LPG across the globe. They feature containment systems and have inbuilt safety features to handle LPG which requires proper handling and storage. These tankers also ship ammonia, vinyl chloride and propylene and operate in sectors like refinery, petrochemical, automotive and oil and gas.
LPG is a mixture of propane, butane and other hydrocarbons. It is produced during the refining process of petroleum or natural gas and is used for cooking, heating and even as a fuel in vehicles.
It is a comparatively cleaner fuel that produces small amounts of sulphur and no soot. Given the decarbonisation trends in the shipping industry in response to growing carbon dioxide emissions, the demand for LPG has risen manifold in the past few years which has brought about significant changes in the LPG Tanker Market.
Increasing use of LPG as a domestic fuel is estimated to drive the demand for its transportation, consequently leading to a rise in the demand for LPG carriers in the coming years.
A look at the LPG Tanker Market
According to the latest Grand View Research Market Analysis Report, the global LPG Tankers Market Size was estimated at USD 209.41 million in 2024 and is expected to rise at a CAGR of 5.4% from 2025 to 2030.
Several factors like volatility in crude oil prices, developments in methods of hydraulic fracturing and horizontal drilling which have led major companies to shift their focus towards production of oil and gas from shale rock will propel the LPG market in future.
There has been a growing demand for LPG in emerging economies, especially in the Asia-Pacific, mainly due to initiatives of the governments to provide clean cooking fuels. Cementing trade relations between major LPG-producing regions and nations like the U.S and those in Asia further propels market growth as companies need reliable logistics solutions to meet growing consumer demands.
Very Large Gas Carriers saw the biggest revenue share in the market, with 28.35% in 2024. VLGCs are used to transport LPG over long distances and growing LPG trade between the Middle East and Asia, Western Africa and Europe and the U.S is the main factor boosting the growth of this segment.
Europe’s LPG tankers market accounted for the biggest revenue share of more than 29.72% in 2024. This market is driven by low domestic production which generates a higher demand for LPG carriers to enable LPG import. North America is one of the biggest LPG exporters in the world, followed by Qatar.
Focussing on Asia, the LPG Tanker Market in China drives growth in the broader Asia-Pacific LPG industry. The reason is China’s rising demand for LPG, and as one of the biggest consumers and importers of LPG, China depends extensively on maritime trade to meet its energy requirements since it lacks a pipeline infrastructure. China is known for its robust production or manufacturing sector and its petrochemical industries which further stimulate the demand for LPG Carriers.
All in all, the LPG Tankers Industry is quite competitive and has many key players such as BW Group, Dorian LPG Ltd, EXMAR, Hyundai Heavy Industries Co., Ltd, Kawasaki Heavy Industries, Ltd and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd etc which dominate the LPG Market and shape trends in the industry.
Types of LPG Tankers
LPG vessels comprise the majority of the gas tanker fleet with more than 800 ships presently registered as LPG Carriers.
The 3 main types of LPG vessels include:
Fully pressurised ships
The design of fully pressurised ships is the simplest among all gas carriers since they carry their cargoes at ambient temperature. They have cargo capacities between 3500 m3 to 6000 m3 in their cylindrical or spherical tanks and can work at pressures up to 17.5 kg/cm2 and at a minimum temperature of – 45 degrees Celsius.
They have Type ‘C’ tanks which are fabricated in carbon steel. These ships do not have thermal insulation or reliquefaction plants since cargo can be discharged using pumps or compressors.
The cargo tanks are quite heavy because of design pressure. Hence, fully pressurised ships are small and mainly transport ammonia and LPG over shorter distances.
Semi-pressurised and semi-refrigerated ships
The tanks of Semi-refrigerated ships are usually cylindrical and can carry approximately 5000 m3 of LPG and handle pressures up to 8.5 kg/cm2 and minimum temperatures of – 10 degrees Celsius.
Semi-pressurised and fully refrigerated vessels can ship up to 15,000 m3 of LPG in spherical or cylindrical steel tanks. They can handle a maximum pressure of 5 kg/cm2 and a minimum temperature of – 48 degrees Celsius.
Onboard these gas carriers are reliquefaction plants that are equipped for cooling or heating the gas as necessary during tank filling or unloading processes.
These types of gas carriers are specifically designed to transport gases like LPG, propylene, butadiene, and vinyl chloride along busy routes in Northern Europe and the Mediterranean region. They also have the capability to transport ethylene at temperatures as low as -104 degrees Celsius, provided they are constructed from alloyed steel or aluminum.
The ships are equipped with a flexible cargo handling system that allows for loading and unloading to and from refrigerated and pressurized storage facilities.
Fully refrigerated ships are the largest and most sophisticated LPG carriers, featuring Type A Steel Tanks that are heavily insulated and can withstand pressures up to 0.28 kg/cm2. These ships have various cargo containment systems and a size range from 20,000 to 100,000 m3.
They have 6 cargo tanks with a longitudinal bulkhead on the center line for improved stability. Wooden chocks support the tanks and prevent them from moving under static and dynamic loads. Reliquefaction equipment and thermal insulation are fitted on these ships for long voyages.
To enhance operational flexibility, booster pumps and cargo heaters are also installed for discharge into pressurized storage facilities.
Furthermore, LPG ships are categorized based on size and other characteristics such as carrying capacity, including Handy Gas Carriers, Coasters, Mid-sizes, Large Gas Carriers, and Very Large Gas Carriers.
In conclusion, LPG Tankers play a crucial role in the global supply chain for transporting clean energy sources efficiently and safely. The various types of LPG Ships cater to different route lengths, cargo volumes, and port infrastructure requirements. As the demand for LPG continues to grow, the global LPG Carrier fleet is expected to expand accordingly. Can you please rewrite the contents?