Charting a Greener Course: Maritime Infrastructure for LNG Bunkering

As the maritime industry faces growing pressure to cut emissions, Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) has emerged as a compelling alternative to traditional marine fuels. It’s not a perfect solution, no single fuel is, but in the near term, LNG offers a substantial reduction in greenhouse gas emissions, particulate matter, and sulphur oxides. It’s a stepping stone in the broader decarbonization journey, and ports around the world are racing to build the infrastructure needed to support it.

So, what does it actually take to fuel a ship with LNG?

Understanding LNG Bunkering Infrastructure

At its core, LNG bunkering infrastructure refers to the systems, facilities, and logistical frameworks that allow ships to safely refuel with LNG. This isn’t a simple plug-and-play process, it involves cryogenic temperatures, advanced safety mechanisms, and significant coordination between port authorities, shipping companies, and fuel suppliers.

Let’s break down the critical components.

1. Storage Facilities

Before LNG ever reaches a ship, it must be stored at ultra-low temperatures (around -162°C). This is typically done in two ways:

• Onshore cryogenic tanks, which are installed at terminals and ports.
• Floating Storage Units (FSUs), which provide offshore alternatives in locations with limited space.

2. Bunkering Terminals and Vessels

Modern bunkering terminals are equipped with everything from loading arms and leak detection systems to real-time monitoring technology. These can be integrated into existing LNG terminals or built as standalone bunkering hubs.

Once the fuel is ready for transfer, LNG bunker ships or barges take over. These are highly specialized vessels designed to handle LNG’s cryogenic properties while ensuring the highest safety standards.

3. Bunkering Stations and Pipelines

Some ports have dedicated bunkering stations that support truck-to-ship or pipeline-to-ship operations. These fixed points include spill containment zones, gas detectors, and emergency shutdown systems.

To tie it all together, cryogenic pipelines connect storage tanks to vessels, forming the literal backbone of LNG delivery.

Methods of Bunkering: One Size Doesn’t Fit All

Depending on the port’s size, ship class, and infrastructure, there are three main bunkering methods:

• Truck-to-Ship (TTS): Flexible and ideal for smaller operations.
• Ship-to-Ship (STS): Efficient for larger vessels and ports.
• Pipeline (Terminal-to-Ship): The most direct but infrastructure-heavy option.

Each method has trade-offs in terms of cost, scalability, and safety.

The Infrastructure Challenge: Costs, Space, and Expertise

Building out LNG bunkering capabilities isn’t cheap or easy. Ports face several key challenges:

• High capital expenditure – Cryogenic storage and specialized vessels are expensive.
• Regulatory complexity – Compliance with IMO, ISO, and local standards is non-negotiable.
• Spatial limitations – Many older ports simply weren’t designed with LNG in mind.
• Workforce readiness – Skilled operators and technicians are essential for safe handling.

Despite these hurdles, the momentum is undeniable.

A Global Snapshot: Where the Action Is

As of 2024, 198 ports worldwide offer LNG bunkering services, with another 78 in development. Some of the leading players include:

• Europe: Rotterdam (arguably the epicentre), Zeebrugge, Antwerp, Amsterdam
• Asia: Singapore, Busan (South Korea), Zhoushan (China)
• North America & Beyond: The U.S., Canada, Australia, Brazil, and Malaysia are actively expanding LNG capabilities.

India’s Growing Role

India is making quiet but meaningful strides. Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL) pioneered the country’s first LNG bunkering operation in Kochi, using Petronet LNG’s terminal. Meanwhile, ports in Mumbai, Chennai, and Visakhapatnam are gearing up to join the LNG revolution with new storage and transfer facilities.

A Market on the Move

The adoption of LNG-fuelled vessels is surging:

• 2010: 21 LNG-powered ships
• 2024: Over 590 in operation, with another 564 on order
• 2028 (Forecast): A projected fleet of 1,154 LNG-fuelled vessels globally

This rapid growth underscores the need for bunkering infrastructure to keep pace or risk becoming a bottleneck.

Looking Ahead: LNG as a Bridge Fuel

While LNG isn’t the endgame for maritime decarbonization, it is an important bridge fuel. Its relative cleanliness, existing availability, and improving infrastructure make it a practical choice in the medium term.

The maritime sector’s shift toward LNG also sets the stage for future fuels like bio-LNG or even green ammonia, as ports and operators become more comfortable handling alternative energy sources.

Building LNG bunkering infrastructure is more than a technical necessity, it’s a strategic investment in the future of maritime trade. The challenge lies in balancing immediate needs with long-term sustainability and ensuring that safety, scalability, and supply chains evolve together.

As global regulations tighten and pressure mounts to decarbonize, the ports that act now may well be the ones leading the shipping lanes of tomorrow.