Lloyd's Register study finds 200,000-cbm LNG
A Lloyd's Register study for GTT finds 200,000-cbm LNG carriers can access 88 global terminals, only slightly fewer than conventional 174,000-cbm vessels
Lloyd's Register evaluated 200,000-cbm LNG carrier designs against existing global terminal infrastructure for GTT. The analysis shows 88 LNG terminals worldwide are compatible with the larger carrier concepts, compared to 97 for conventional 174,000-cbm vessels.
Terminal access shows minimal change for larger vessels
The study found little difference in terminal accessibility between three-tank and four-tank configurations for the 200,000-cbm designs. Cargo tank configuration has little influence on terminal accessibility. Vessel beam emerged as the main factor affecting terminal compatibility, alongside draft and displacement.
| Vessel Size | Compatible Terminals |
|---|---|
| 174,000-cbm | 97 terminals |
| 200,000-cbm | 88 terminals |
Modern infrastructure supports larger carrier operations
Modern terminals across Asia Pacific, Europe, North America, and the Middle East are generally capable of accommodating 200,000-cbm vessels. The accessible network for these larger carriers includes many of the world’s major LNG trading hubs. The findings indicate that major changes across existing terminal infrastructure may not be required for the 200,000-cbm segment.
Economic benefits emerge from increased capacity
The study modelled commercial performance across Atlantic and Pacific trading routes. Larger vessels could carry more LNG per voyage, reducing the number of sailings required to transport a given volume. LR estimated a potential owner benefit of approximately US$85.5 million over a 30-year period from increased LNG carrier capacity. Material transport savings were identified on representative routes, with benefits for both owners and charterers.
Industry context and expert insight
LNG shipping faces pressure to improve transport efficiency while preserving operational flexibility. Lloyd’s Register identified 200,000m³ LNG carriers as a credible next step for global LNG fleet renewal. Larger vessel concepts may become increasingly relevant as LNG carriers operate at lower average speeds and owners seek to balance fleet renewal with transport efficiency.
Constantinos Chaelis, Global Gas Segment Director at Lloyd's Register, said: "The significance of these findings is that larger LNG carriers do not appear to require a wholesale rethink of terminal infrastructure." Sujith Tooneri, Global Head of Newbuild Advisory Services at LR, added that the analysis shows these carriers can retain access to most major terminals while increasing cargo capacity. Despite a modest reduction in terminal accessibility, larger vessels provide meaningful economic advantages. The study suggests 200,000-cbm LNG carriers could provide a practical step up from today’s conventional 174,000-cbm LNG carriers for global fleet renewal.
