LPG Carrier
An LPG Carrier is a gas carrier that transports liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) — chiefly propane and butane — and often other liquefied gases such as ammonia and petrochemical gases. The gas is liquefied for shipping either by pressure, by refrigeration (cooling), or a combination, and carried in specially designed pressure or insulated tanks.
LPG carriers range widely in size and design: fully pressurised ships for smaller coastal parcels, semi-refrigerated, and fully refrigerated ships including the large VLGC (Very Large Gas Carrier) for long-haul trades. They serve the trade in cooking and heating fuel, petrochemical feedstocks and, increasingly, ammonia — the latter significant as ammonia emerges as a potential zero-carbon marine fuel, raising interest in gas-carrier capability. LPG carriers are a specialised, technically sophisticated segment of the gas-shipping sector, alongside LNG carriers, handling flammable cargoes under strict safety regimes (the IGC Code).
LPG carriers move the propane and butane that heat homes and feed petrochemical plants — and increasingly ammonia, which matters as a candidate zero-carbon fuel. Their pressure-and-refrigeration technology and strict safety codes make them a specialised segment, and their ammonia capability ties them into shipping's decarbonisation story.
What does an LPG carrier transport?
Liquefied petroleum gas — propane and butane — and often other gases such as ammonia and petrochemical gases.
How is LPG kept liquid on board?
By pressure, by refrigeration, or a combination, depending on the carrier type (fully pressurised, semi- or fully refrigerated).