Typology of the Gas Carrier fleet

Abstract

This work aims to describe the typology of the Gas carrier fleet, differentiating between the two main subgroups which are forming this maritime transport segment, those who transport liquified natural gas (LNG carrier) and those who transport liquified petroleum gases (LPG carriers), highlighting and explaining the main technical characteristics that are defining these types of ships.

The LPG and LNG carriers have similarities and differences among them, making necessary a differentiation between both sub-fleets. In the same way, within the LPG and LNG fleets, is possible to find notorious differences regarding sizes, cargo systems and propulsion systems. These differences are underlying the need of separate between LNG and LPG ships when the Gas carrier fleet is under analysis.