The fleet of LNG bunkering vessels would need to double in just a few years, warns the classification society DNV. However, there is still a lack of investment to meet this demand.
DNV has published a new white paper on the global fleet of LNG bunkering vessels. According to the report, demand could more than double by 2030, as demand from LNG-powered vessels is growing faster than the infrastructure required to supply them. In the report, the experts estimate that between 165 and 208 bunkering vessels could be needed worldwide by the end of this decade.
Martin Cartwright, Global Business Director for gas carriers and FSRUs at DNV, emphasised: “LNG-powered shipping is growing faster than the bunkering network required to supply it. To bridge this gap, coordinated investment is required across the entire bunkering ecosystem, underpinned by robust safety standards, operational readiness and technical expertise. These elements must evolve together so that gas bunkering can be scaled up safely and reliably, whilst also supporting future options – such as biomethane.”
Although the LNG bunker fleet is growing steadily, demand from LNG-powered vessels is expected to rise even faster, increasing the pressure on bunker vessels and the entire bunker ecosystem.
Without additional investment along this value chain, fuel supply could become a bottleneck for the further adoption of LNG in shipping. The DNV white paper highlights how bunker vessels are evolving from specialised fuel-delivery units into critical infrastructure.
Cristina Saenz de Santa Maria, CEO Maritime at DNV, explained: “Given the changing fuel landscape, investment in a flexible, reliable and future-proof bunkering infrastructure will be essential.” The class also brings the conversion of smaller LNG tankers into play to accelerate this development.
