LPG Tankers and Its Types
LPG tankers or LPG Carriers are specialised vessels designed for the transportation of liquified petroleum gas in bulk, under controlled temperature and pressure conditions. There are different types of LPG tankers, having a different design and size suited for different voyage lengths, ranging from short, medium to long-haul voyages.
This article will discuss everything you need to know about LPG Tankers along with the Types of LPG Tankers and the latest trends in the LPG Tanker Market.

LPG tankers are an intrinsic part of the world’s energy supply chain and ensure the safe and secure delivery of LPG across the globe. They feature containment systems and have inbuilt safety features to handle LPG which requires proper handling and storage. These tankers also ship ammonia, vinyl chloride and propylene and operate in sectors like refinery, petrochemical, automotive and oil and gas.
LPG is a mixture of propane, butane and other hydrocarbons. It is produced during the refining process of petroleum or natural gas and is used for cooking, heating and even as a fuel in vehicles.
It is a comparatively cleaner fuel that produces small amounts of sulphur and no soot. Given the decarbonisation trends in the shipping industry in response to growing carbon dioxide emissions, the demand for LPG has risen manifold in the past few years which has brought about significant changes in the LPG Tanker Market.
Increasing use of LPG as a domestic fuel is estimated to drive the demand for its transportation, consequently leading to a rise in the demand for LPG carriers in the coming years.
A look at the LPG Tanker Market
According to the latest Grand View Research Market Analysis Report, the global LPG Tankers Market Size was estimated at USD 209.41 million in 2024 and is expected to rise at a CAGR of 5.4% from 2025 to 2030.
Several factors like volatility in crude oil prices, developments in methods of hydraulic fracturing and horizontal drilling which have led major companies to shift their focus towards production of oil and gas from shale rock will propel the LPG market in future.
There has been a growing demand for LPG in emerging economies, especially in the Asia-Pacific, mainly due to initiatives of the governments to provide clean cooking fuels. Cementing trade relations between major LPG-producing regions and nations like the U.S and those in Asia further propels market growth as companies need reliable logistics solutions to meet growing consumer demands.
Very Large Gas Carriers saw the biggest revenue share in the market, with 28.35% in 2024. VLGCs are used to transport LPG over long distances and growing LPG trade between the Middle East and Asia, Western Africa and Europe and the U.S is the main factor boosting the growth of this segment.
Europe’s LPG tankers market accounted for the biggest revenue share of more than 29.72% in 2024. This market is driven by low domestic production which generates a higher demand for LPG carriers to enable LPG import. North America is one of the biggest LPG exporters in the world, followed by Qatar.
Focussing on Asia, the LPG Tanker Market in China drives growth in the broader Asia-Pacific LPG industry. The reason is China’s rising demand for LPG, and as one of the biggest consumers and importers of LPG, China depends extensively on maritime trade to meet its energy requirements since it lacks a pipeline infrastructure. China is known for its robust production or manufacturing sector and its petrochemical industries which further stimulate the demand for LPG Carriers.
All in all, the LPG Tankers Industry is quite competitive and has many key players such as BW Group, Dorian LPG Ltd, EXMAR, Hyundai Heavy Industries Co., Ltd, Kawasaki Heavy Industries, Ltd and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd etc which dominate the LPG Market and shape trends in the industry.
Types of LPG Tankers
LPG vessels comprise the majority of the gas tanker fleet with more than 800 ships presently registered as LPG Carriers.
The 3 main types of LPG vessels include:
Fully pressurised ships
The design of fully pressurised ships is the simplest among all gas carriers since they carry their cargoes at ambient temperature. They have cargo capacities between 3500 m3 to 6000 m3 in their cylindrical or spherical tanks and can work at pressures up to 17.5 kg/cm2 and at a minimum temperature of – 45 degrees Celsius.
They have Type ‘C’ tanks which are fabricated in carbon steel. These ships do not have thermal insulation or reliquefaction plants since cargo can be discharged using pumps or compressors.
The cargo tanks are quite heavy because of design pressure. Hence, fully pressurised ships are small and mainly transport ammonia and LPG over shorter distances.
Semi-pressurised and semi-refrigerated ships
The tanks of Semi-refrigerated ships are usually cylindrical and can carry approximately 5000 m3 of LPG and handle pressures up to 8.5 kg/cm2 and minimum temperatures of – 10 degrees Celsius.
Semi-pressurised and fully refrigerated vessels can ship up to 15,000 m3 of LPG in spherical or cylindrical steel tanks. They can handle a maximum pressure of 5 kg/cm2 and a minimum temperature of – 48 degrees Celsius. They have reliquefaction plants fitted onboard for cooling or heating the gas as needed while filling or unloading the tanks.
These types of gas carriers are used to transport gases like LPG, propylene, butadiene and vinyl chloride. They sail on the busy routes around Northern Europe and the Mediterranean region.
They can also transport ethylene at – 104 degrees Celsius if they are constructed from alloyed steel or aluminium.
These ships are popular because of their flexible cargo handling system which can load or discharge to and from refrigerated and pressurized storage facilities.
Fully refrigerated ships
These carriers are the biggest and most sophisticated LPG Ships. They usually have Type A Steel Tanks shaped like a prism which are heavily insulated. These ships can take pressure up to 0.28 kg/cm2 and accommodate cargo at a minimum temperature of -50 degrees Celsius. They have 4 different cargo containment systems which can be-
- Independent tanks with single hull, double bottom and hopper tanks
- Independent tanks with double hull
- Integral tanks (with a double hull)
- Semi-membrane tanks (with a double hull)
These ships have a size range from 20,000 to 100,000 m3 and there are just a few between 55,000 m3 and 70,000 m3.
They have 6 cargo tanks and the ship’s stability is improved by a longitudinal bulkhead on the centre line. Wooden chocks support the tanks and are keyed to the ship’s hull so they can expand and contract and prevent the tank from moving under static and dynamic loads.
These ships are suited for long voyages and due to low-temperature conditions, reliquefaction equipment and thermal insulation are fitted on these vessels.
For greater flexibility in operations, booster pumps and cargo heaters are also fitted on these ships to enable discharge into pressurised storage facilities.
LPG Ships can also be categorised according to size and other characteristics like carrying capacity into the following categories.
Handy Gas Carriers
These LPG tankers have a carrying capacity of 15,000 to 25,000 cbm. They ply on short to medium-haul routes and can be semi-refrigerated, fully-refrigerated or pressurised vessels.
Coasters
LPG tankers with a capacity of less than 15,000 m3 are called coasters.
Mid-sizes
These are fully refrigerated LPG tankers of 25,000 to 50,000 m3 and ply on intra-regional trade routes within Asia or the Americas and on medium-haul routes, mostly in Europe and the North Sea.
Large Gas Carriers or LGCs
These LPG ships have capacities ranging from 50,000 to 70,000 m3 and usually transport LPG between ports.
Very Large Gas Carriers or VLGC
This category consists of LPG tankers having a capacity of 70,000 m3 and more. VLGCs are fully refrigerated and ply on long haul routes, especially from the United States and Middle East Gulf to Asia.
Conclusion
LPG Tankers are a vital part of the global supply chain, allowing for the safe and efficient transportation of this clean energy source. LPG Carriers are of many types such as fully-pressurised ships, semi-pressurised and semi-refrigerated ships and fully refrigerated ships. The choice of LPG Ships depends on the route length, amount of LPG to be shipped and port infrastructure.
While fully refrigerated ships are employed on long-haul routes, fully-pressurised ships are best suited for regional use. LPG Ships have several safety features, cargo containment systems with different types of tanks, thermal insulation and reliquefaction plants for easy loading and unloading of cargo. As the demand for LPG increases, the size of the global LPG Carrier fleet is also bound to increase.
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- 5 Biggest Oil Tankers Which Are Now Scrapped
- Panamax and Aframax Tankers: Oil Tankers with a Difference
About Author
Zahra is an alumna of Miranda House, University of Delhi. She is an avid writer, possessing immaculate research and editing skills. Author of several academic papers, she has also worked as a freelance writer, producing many technical, creative and marketing pieces. A true aesthete at heart, she loves books a little more than anything else.
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The information contained in this website is for general information purposes only. While we endeavour to keep the information up to date and correct, we make no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, about the completeness, accuracy, reliability, suitability or availability with respect to the website or the information, products, services, or related graphics contained on the website for any purpose. Any reliance you place on such information is therefore strictly at your own risk.
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