LNG (liquefied natural gas) and LPG (liquefied petroleum gas) carriers cool or pressurize gas into liquid form and carry it in specialized tanks. The large spherical tanks visible on deck (Moss type) or membrane systems make this ship type recognizable from a distance.
Cargo characteristics
To be carried, gas is either super-cooled (down to roughly -162°C for LNG) or pressurized. This means the ship needs its own refrigeration/pressure control system — the crew continuously monitors these systems, keeping cargo temperature and pressure within tight tolerances.
Risks and challenges
- Extreme technical knowledge requirement. Cargo systems are far more complex than on other tanker types; officers and engineers must hold special training and certification (gas tanker endorsement).
- Leak and freezing risk. Extremely cold cargo accidentally contacting metal surfaces can cause "brittle fracture" — strict insulation and procedural discipline are essential.
- Limited port infrastructure. Not every port can handle LNG/LPG loading and discharge, which makes trading areas and rotation more predictable but more limited than on other ship types.
Career and salary expectations
This segment sits among the highest-paying tracks in the industry — a direct reflection of the technical difficulty and expertise required. But the entry barrier is high too: moving into gas carriers typically means gaining experience on product or chemical tankers first, then completing specialized training. For a seafarer who completes that path, LNG/LPG can be one of the most stable, best-paying steps in a career.
This article is general information; gas tanker certification requirements vary by ship and flag state.