About LNG Transportation
Road
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For smaller volumes truck trailers and specially designed ISO-containers allow safe transport of LNG on public roads in countries around the world. Both styles of containers employ the same basic concept as a Thermos bottle. There is an inner stainless-steel tank that holds the cryogenic liquid and an outer carbon steel tank that provides strength. In between there is insulation and a vacuum to ensure that the LNG remains cold as long as possible. There are numerous manufacturers of both transportation vessels that exceed the standards set by regulatory authorities worldwide.
Rail
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Purpose built rail cars mirror the design element of both truck trailers and ISO-containers but are larger. The underlying rail carriages are consistent with those that carry many other commodities but the tanks themselves have the same two tank construction as truck trailers and ISO-containers. Rail allows significant volumes of LNG to be moved great distances safely and with predictable delivery times. North America’s embedded rail infrastructure allows for the rapid development of facilities that will produce and export LNG. Governments and major railways have been investigating the efficacy of rail transport and the benefits of LNG-powered locomotives. The reduction in carbon and particulate emissions will be a material improvement in environmental performance.
Ship
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The Methane Princess delivered the world’s first commercial LNG cargo to the UK’s Canvey Island on October 12th, 1964. Today more than 500 ships ply international waters loaded with LNG. Most of these vessels use a membrane tank structure that holds the cargo in a pristine environment to destination. Of course, a very small percentage of the LNG warms and the resulting gas is typically captured and used for powering the vessel. This results in the direct displacement of heavy fuel oil or diesel and reduces the Green House Gas emissions profile of these vessels by more than 50%. The International Maritime Organization has recognized this and is mandating conversion of large elements of the overall global fleet to LNG fuel in the coming years.