DNV examines vessel and infrastructure needs as LNG bunkering scales up

The growth of the LNG-fuelled fleet is increasing demand for bunker vessels and supporting infrastructure. 

In its latest Maritime Impact article, classification society DNV experts examine the capacity, vessel requirements, LNG carrier conversion opportunities and safety practices needed to scale up LNG bunkering, as well as lessons for future gaseous fuels:

The maritime industry is entering a period of growing fuel diversity. While much of the discussion focuses on fuels, engines, and regulations, the transition will also depend on the infrastructure needed to supply alternative fuels safely, reliably, and at scale. DNV’s new white paper, Gas bunker vessels – Facilitating the transition to alternative fuels, details how gas bunker vessels are becoming a critical part of that infrastructure and analyses the key factors shaping their future development, from market growth and vessel design to safety, operational readiness, and the adoption of emerging fuels such as ammonia.

LNG success creates a new supply challenge

LNG has become the most widely adopted gaseous marine fuel and the first to achieve large-scale commercial deployment. According to DNV’s Alternative Fuels Insight platform, around 900 LNG-fuelled vessels are now in operation worldwide, excluding LNG carriers. Around 650 additional vessels are expected to join the fleet before 2030, further increasing demand for LNG as a marine fuel.

As the LNG-fuelled fleet expands, pressure is growing across the entire bunkering ecosystem. LNG consumption by LNG-fuelled vessels increased by more than 500% between 2020 and 2024, with a further 167% growth expected between 2025 and 2030. The white paper argues that bunkering infrastructure is not keeping pace with this rapid expansion, creating a widening gap between fuel demand and available bunkering capacity.

“The LNG bunkering market is well supplied today, but the picture could change significantly as the LNG-fuelled fleet continues to expand,” says Martin Cartwright, Global Business Director, Gas Carriers & FSRUs, DNV Maritime. “Our analysis suggests the global LNG bunker vessel fleet may need to more than double by 2030, with between 165 and 208 vessels potentially required worldwide. Meeting that demand will require coordinated investment across the entire bunkering value chain, not just in the vessels themselves.”

Gas bunker vessels emerge as a key link in the alternative fuel value chain

The report argues that gas bunker vessels should be viewed as more than fuel delivery assets. As shipping adopts a wider range of fuels, they are becoming a critical link between fuel producers, storage facilities, ports, and vessels, helping ensure alternative fuels can be supplied safely, reliably, and at scale.

While gas bunker vessels share many characteristics with conventional gas carriers, their role as fuel suppliers creates a distinct operating profile. Frequent ship-to-ship transfers, interactions with a wide variety of receiving vessels, and the need to operate safely in busy port environments place additional demands on vessel design, operational procedures, safety systems, and crew competence.

“As the maritime industry adopts new fuels and technologies, understanding the bunker vessels that support the transition is becoming just as important as understanding the fuels themselves,” says Robert Østraat Kjelstadli, Principal Engineer, DNV Maritime, and co-author of the white paper. 

“These vessels are a critical part of the infrastructure that connects fuel supply with vessel operations. Safe and reliable fuel delivery depends on dedicated vessel designs, robust procedures, and the ability to operate efficiently across a wide range of ports and vessel types.”

Converting existing LNG vessels can accelerate capacity growth

Meeting future demand does not necessarily depend on newbuild vessels alone. The white paper highlights the conversion of suitable small-scale LNG carriers into dedicated bunker vessels as a practical way to accelerate capacity growth and support developing bunkering markets.

“Many of these vessels already possess the containment, cargo-handling, monitoring, and safety systems required for liquefied gas operations,” says Yury Ilchenko, Principal Engineer and Gas Carrier Specialist at DNV. “However, successful conversion requires more than adding transfer equipment. Owners must consider factors such as vessel compatibility, ship-to-ship transfer arrangements, vapour and pressure management, manoeuvrability, emergency response, and operational readiness to ensure the vessel can safely perform its new role as a bunker vessel.”

Note: The full article by DNV can be found here. 

Photo credit: Shaah Shahidh on Unsplash
Published: 6 November, 2026