LNG tankers – some of the safest vessels in the world

Safe transportation of LNG is paramount therefore the tankers that transport it are double-hulled and specifically designed to handle the low temperature of LNG.

Currently, more than 136 ships world-wide transport in excess of 120 million metric tonnes of LNG annually to global locations. The majority of conventional LNG tankers have a capacity in the region of 130-150,000 cubic metres.

LNG tankers – safety design

  • LNG ships are rigorously built for safety.
  • There has been no loss of life, or significant spillage incident in more than 33,000 voyages.
  • LNG ships are constructed with a double hull which provides protection for cargo in the event of a collision, grounding, and from radiant heat.
  • Cargo tanks are located away from the hull.
  • Gas detectors and safety alarms are situated between the steel hulls, and continuously monitor for cargo leaks.

Qatari LNG is transported to the South Hook Terminal by a purpose-built fleet of 14 brand vessels with double membranes on the LNG tanks and double hulls for additional safety and cargo protection. These Korean-built vessels are known as Q-Flex and Q-Max LNG ships.

Q-Max

  • Q-Max ships have been commissioned with a designed capacity of about 260,000 cubic metres. At over 340m, the Q-Max vessels are longer than three full-size football pitches.
  • Pride of the fleet Q-Max ‘Mozah’ (as featured in the video below)
  • Designed for base-load transport to UK/US – a ‘floating pipeline for LNG’.

Q-Flex

  • A designed capacity of about 215,000 cubic metres
  • As the name implies, designed for maximum capacity whilst allowing flexible deliveries around the world
  • Currently 20 terminals worldwide ready to accept the Q-Flex vessels

The Q-Flex ships have approximately 50% more cargo capacity than conventional LNG carriers, and the larger Q-Max vessels have over 80% more cargo capacity. Thanks to economies of scale and engine efficiency, the ships require approximately 40% less energy per unit of cargo and have 25-30% lower CO2 emissions compared to conventional tankers.


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