Extended Operational and Trade Vocabulary

LNG Bunkering Infrastructure and Vessels glossary

The LNG-bunkering vocabulary: the ABS LNG bunkering notation, the LNG-fueled vessels (AIDAnova as the first LNG cruise ship), the truck-to-ship and ship-to-ship transfer methods, and the bunker-vessel and terminal-infrastructure terms. Grounds each term in the LNG bunkering operation or the LNG-fueled vessel it belongs to.

164 defined terms.

A

ABS LNG Bunkering Notation: American Bureau of Shipping class notation covering vessels equipped for LNG bunkering operations as supplier or receiver.
AIDA Cruises LNG Fleet: AIDA Cruises operates LNG dual-fuel cruise ships including AIDAnova and AIDAcosma built at Meyer Werft Papenburg.
AIDAnova: First Helios-class LNG dual-fuel AIDA Cruises ship delivered in 2018.
Algeciras LNG Bunkering: Port of Algeciras LNG bunkering operations served by HAM Cryogenica and Repsol via truck-to-ship transfers.
Aman Knutsen: Knutsen OAS Shipping LNG bunker vessel of the Houston/Galveston generation operating in the US Gulf.
Antwerp LNG Bunkering: Port of Antwerp LNG bunkering operations served by Kairos and other bunker vessels working the Antwerp-Bruges complex.
ATEX Directive 2014/34/EU: European Union directive on equipment intended for use in potentially explosive atmospheres, applied to LNG bunkering equipment in EU ports.
Avenir Achievement: 7,500 cubic meter small-scale LNG carrier and bunker vessel delivered to Avenir LNG in 2021.
Avenir Advantage: 7,500 m3 LNG carrier and bunker vessel in the Avenir LNG fleet.
Avenir Albireo: 7,500 m3 LNG carrier and bunker vessel in the Avenir LNG fleet.
Avenir Aldebaran: 7,500 m3 LNG carrier and bunker vessel in the Avenir LNG fleet.
Avenir Allegiance: LNG carrier and bunker vessel in the Avenir LNG fleet.
Avenir Aspiration: LNG carrier and bunker vessel in the Avenir LNG fleet.
Avenir LNG: Small-scale LNG shipping and supply company majority owned by Stolt-Nielsen and Golar LNG, operating LNG bunker vessels including Avenir Achievement.
Avenir Possession: LNG carrier and bunker vessel in the Avenir LNG fleet.

B

Barcelona LNG Bunkering: Port of Barcelona LNG bunkering operations served via the Enagas regasification terminal.
Boil-off gas (BOG): Vapor from LNG cargo or fuel tanks managed by reliquefaction or use.
BP Marine: Marine lubricants division of BP that markets the Energol and, through Castrol Marine, Cyltech and CDX product families.
Brassavola: 12,000 m3 LNG bunker vessel operated by Pavilion Energy in Singapore from 2021.
Brevini Cryogenic Tank Containers: Manufacturer of ISO tank containers used in containerized LNG bunkering.
Bunker Delivery Note (BDN): Required under MARPOL Annex VI Regulation 18.
Bunker Notice 03/2017 (MPA): Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore bunker notice mandating mass-based custody transfer for bunker deliveries.
BV LNG Bunkering Notation: Bureau Veritas class notation for vessels arranged for LNG bunkering operations.

C

Cardissa: 6,500 m3 LNG bunker vessel owned by Shell, delivered in 2017, serving Northwest European ports.
Carnival Mardi Gras: Carnival Cruise Line Excel-class LNG flagship delivered in 2020.
CCS LNG Bunkering Notation: China Classification Society notation for vessels arranged for LNG bunkering.
Chart Industries: US manufacturer of cryogenic equipment and ISO tank containers used in LNG bunkering and small-scale LNG logistics.
CII (Carbon Intensity Indicator): IMO operational efficiency rating influenced by fuel type and consumption.
ClassNK LNG Bunkering Guidelines: Nippon Kaiji Kyokai guidelines for LNG bunkering operations and vessel approval.
CMA CGM Jacques Saade: 23,000 TEU LNG dual-fuel ultra-large container ship delivered in 2020, the lead vessel of CMA CGM's LNG-fueled mega-boxship series.
CMA CGM LNG Fleet: Container shipping fleet of LNG dual-fuel vessels operated by CMA CGM, initially ordered in a series including Jacques Saade and sister ships.
CMA CGM Pelleas: 18,600 m3 LNG bunker vessel operated under joint arrangements involving TotalEnergies Marine Fuels, Pavilion Energy, and CMA CGM from 2022.
Compatibility Study (Bunkering): Pre-bunkering technical assessment confirming manifold alignment, cryogenic material compatibility, ESD interconnection, and custody transfer arrangements between bunker vessel and receiver.
Containerized LNG Bunkering: LNG bunkering mode using vacuum-insulated 40 ft ISO tank containers supplied by manufacturers such as Chart Industries, Cryolor, and Trifleet.
Cool-down: Pre-trip lowering of empty container interior to set point before stuffing cargo.
Coral Methane: 7,500 m3 small-scale LNG carrier and bunker vessel owned by Anthony Veder of the Netherlands, used in early dedicated LNG bunker operations from 2009.
Coralius: 5,800 cubic meter LNG bunker vessel delivered in 2017 and operated in Northern European waters.
Coriolis Mass Flow Meter: Direct mass measurement device used in bunker custody transfer based on Coriolis force on a vibrating tube.
Corpus Christi LNG: Cheniere Energy LNG export terminal near Corpus Christi, Texas, commissioned in 2018.
Costa Smeralda: Northeast Sardinia stretch including Porto Cervo, summer hub for Mediterranean superyachts.
Crowley Commitment: LNG dual-fuel container ship operated by Crowley in the Jones Act Jacksonville to San Juan trade.
Crowley LNG: Crowley Maritime's LNG fuel supply business in the US, including bunker barge operations.
Cryogenic hose: Vacuum-insulated transfer hose for LNG bunkering.
Cryolor: Linde-owned manufacturer of cryogenic ISO tank containers and storage equipment used in LNG logistics and containerized bunkering.
Custody Transfer Measurement (CTM): Quantification of LNG mass or volume transferred during a bunker delivery, performed using approved mass flow meters or tank gauging.

D

Dedicated LNG Bunker Vessel: Vessel specifically designed and operated to deliver LNG as fuel to receiving ships via ship-to-ship transfer.
DNV LNG Bunkering Notation: Det Norske Veritas class notation for vessels arranged for LNG bunkering operations as supplier or receiver.
DSME LNG Carrier Yard: Daewoo Shipbuilding and Marine Engineering shipyard in South Korea, builder of LNG carriers and LNG dual-fuel vessels.
Dual-fuel engine: Engine running on both liquid and gaseous fuels (e.g., WinGD X-DF).

E

EEXI (Energy Efficiency Existing Ship Index): IMO design efficiency metric for existing ships.
Emergency Release Coupling (ERC): Powered, two-valve coupling within hard arms enabling rapid disconnection during ESD-2.
Enagas: Spanish gas system operator running regasification terminals at Barcelona, Cartagena, Huelva, and Bilbao that support LNG bunkering.
Endress Hauser Promass: Coriolis mass flow meter family from Endress Hauser approved for bunker delivery service in Singapore.
Engie Zeebrugge: 5,000 cubic meter LNG bunker vessel delivered in 2017 and based at Zeebrugge, Belgium.
ESD-1 (Emergency Shutdown Level 1): Bunkering emergency shutdown stage initiating valve closure and pump stop while maintaining mechanical connection.
ESD-2 (Emergency Shutdown Level 2): Bunkering emergency shutdown stage initiating cryogenic disconnection of the transfer arm or hose string.
EU ETS Maritime: Extension of the EU Emissions Trading System to shipping under Directive 2023/959; applies from 1 January 2024 with phased surrender of 40% in 2024, 70% in 2025, and 100% from 2026.
EU MRV: EU Regulation 2015/757 on monitoring, reporting, and verification of CO2 emissions from shipping.

F

FSRU (Floating Storage and Regasification Unit): Floating LNG terminal combining storage and regasification, including units such as Independence at Klaipeda used to anchor regional LNG hubs.
FueLNG: Joint venture established in 2017 by Shell and Keppel Offshore and Marine providing LNG bunkering in Singapore.
FueLNG Bellina: First LNG bunker vessel built for FueLNG in 2021, operating in the Port of Singapore.

G

GasNaturally: European industry association promoting natural gas use, referenced in the early naming of dedicated LNG bunker projects such as the Coral Methane.
Gasum: Nordic energy company, formerly Skangas, operating the Coralius and a fleet of LNG bunker vessels in Northern Europe.
Gate terminal: LNG import and small-scale distribution terminal on the Maasvlakte at Rotterdam, the Netherlands.
GHG Strategy 2023 (IMO): Revised IMO strategy targeting net-zero emissions around 2050.

H

HAM Cryogenica: Spanish operator providing truck-to-ship LNG bunkering services at Algeciras and other Iberian ports.
Hanseatic Inspiration: Hapag-Lloyd Cruises expedition vessel delivered in 2019.
Hanseatic Nature: Hapag-Lloyd Cruises expedition vessel delivered in 2019.
Hanseatic Spirit: Hapag-Lloyd Cruises expedition vessel delivered in 2021.
Haugesund Knutsen: 7,500 m3 LNG bunker vessel owned by Knutsen OAS Shipping.
Hoegh LNG: Norwegian LNG shipping and FSRU operator with a fleet of regasification vessels deployed globally.
Houston LNG Bunkering: LNG bunkering operations in the Houston/Galveston region served by Knutsen LNG bunker vessels including Lothar Knutsen and Aman Knutsen.
Hurtigruten Coastal Express: Norwegian coastal voyage operator, with LNG and LNG-battery hybrid vessels in its expedition fleet.
Hyundai Heavy Industries (HHI): Korean shipbuilder; major LNG carrier yard alongside Samsung and DSME/Hanwha Ocean.

I

Icon of the Seas: Royal Caribbean Icon class ship delivered 2024, currently the largest cruise ship in service.
IGC Code: International Code for the Construction and Equipment of Ships Carrying Liquefied Gases in Bulk.
IGF Code: International Code of Safety for Ships Using Gases or Other Low-Flashpoint Fuels.
IGF Code Chapter 11: Chapter of the IGF Code covering manufacture, workmanship, and testing of gas fuel systems.
IMO Type C tank: Independent cargo tank designed as a pressure vessel under pressure vessel codes, with no secondary barrier required, used in semi-refrigerated and pressurized LPG and small-scale LNG service.
Independence (FSRU): Floating storage and regasification unit at Klaipeda, Lithuania, supporting regional LNG supply and bunker operations.
Inerting: Replacing tank atmosphere with inert gas (N2, IG) below 8% O2 for tankers, 5% for chemicals.
ISO 20519: International standard published in 2017 and revised in 2021 covering specification for bunkering of LNG-fueled vessels.
ISO Tank Container (T75): Cryogenic ISO tank container compliant with UN portable tank T75 specifications, used in containerized LNG bunkering.
ISO/TS 18683: ISO technical specification published in 2015 providing guidelines for systems and installations for the supply of LNG as fuel to ships.

J

Jacksonville LNG Bunkering: LNG bunkering operations at the Port of Jacksonville, Florida, supported by the Crowley LNG bunker barge.
Jurong Island LNG Terminal: Singapore LNG (SLNG) regasification terminal on Jurong Island, anchoring Singapore's LNG bunker supply.

K

Kairos: 7,500 cubic meter LNG bunker vessel operated by Nauticor for Northern European fueling services.
Kawasaki LNG Bunkering: LNG bunkering operations at the Port of Kawasaki, Japan.
Keppel Offshore and Marine: Singapore shipbuilder and joint venture partner in FueLNG.
Klaipeda LNG: Lithuanian LNG hub built around the Independence FSRU and supporting LNG bunker supply in the eastern Baltic.
Knutsen OAS Shipping: Norwegian owner of LNG carriers operating predominantly under long-term charters, often referenced as Knutsen LNG.
KOGAS: Korea Gas Corporation, terminal operator and licensor of KC-1 membrane system.
Krohne Optimass: Coriolis mass flow meter series used for LNG custody transfer.

L

Le Havre LNG Bunkering: LNG bunker operations at the Port of Le Havre, France, including TotalEnergies Marine Fuels deliveries via Gas Vitality.
Linde Cryolor: Linde Group cryogenic engineering and tank business supplying equipment used in LNG bunkering.
LNG Bunker Articulated Tug Barge (ATB): Tug and barge unit configured for LNG bunker delivery, including the Crowley Quantum Park ATB at Jacksonville.
LNG Bunker Barge: Barge supplying liquefied natural gas to vessels at inland or port locations.
LNG Bunker Checklist: Standardized pre-transfer, transfer, and post-transfer checklist developed under SGMF and ISO 20519 guidance.
LNG Bunker Vessel (LBV): Vessel dedicated to delivering LNG fuel to receiving ships, typically by ship-to-ship transfer.
LNG Dual-fuel: Engine technology offering an alternative compliance pathway to scrubbers and SCR.
Lothar Knutsen: Knutsen OAS Shipping LNG bunker vessel serving the US Gulf, including Houston and Galveston.
LR LNG Bunkering Notation: Lloyd's Register class notation for vessels arranged for LNG bunkering operations.

M

Maasvlakte II LNG Bunkering: LNG bunkering area at the Port of Rotterdam's Maasvlakte II expansion, served via Gate Terminal and bunker vessels including Cardissa and Optimus.
MAN B&W ME-GI: Dual fuel two stroke engine burning LNG with high pressure gas injection.
MAN Energy Solutions: Current corporate name since 2018 for the MAN group two-stroke and four-stroke marine engine business.
Manifold Interface Box (MIB): Standardized bunker manifold arrangement used on LNG-fueled ships, incorporating ESD signaling, drip trays, and inerting connections.
MARPOL Annex VI: Air pollution and energy-efficiency annex.
Mass Flow Meter (MFM): Bunkering meter used in Singapore and elsewhere for accurate measurement.
MAWP (Maximum Allowable Working Pressure): Pressure ceiling for IMO Type C LNG cargo tanks, typically maintained around 0.7 bar in bunkering operations.
Meyer Turku: Finnish shipbuilder at Turku, the Meyer group's cruise yard for large luxury cruise ships.
Meyer Werft: German shipbuilder at Papenburg, cruise specialist.
Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI): Japanese shipbuilder involved in the construction of LNG carriers and bunker vessels such as the Engie Zeebrugge.
MPA Singapore: Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore, the regulator licensing bunker suppliers and bunker craft operators in the Port of Singapore.
MS Fridtjof Nansen: Hurtigruten Expeditions hybrid-powered expedition ship delivered in 2020 with 530 PAX.
MS Roald Amundsen: Hurtigruten Expeditions hybrid-powered expedition ship delivered in 2019 with 530 PAX and Polar Code 1A notation.

N

Nauticor: Linde subsidiary operating LNG bunker vessels including Kairos in Northwest European ports.
Newbuild LNG Carrier Size: Modern conventional LNG carrier newbuilds are typically in the 174,000 to 180,000 m3 cargo capacity range.
Nitrogen Inerting: Use of dry nitrogen to displace oxygen from LNG bunker piping and tanks prior to LNG transfer.

O

OCIMF Mooring Equipment Guidelines for LNG: Oil Companies International Marine Forum guidance covering mooring arrangements for LNG carriers and bunker operations.
Optimus: Sea-Kit USV designed for offshore survey and IMR support with deployable AUV and ROV payloads.

P

Pavilion Energy: Singapore LNG trading company since 2014 active in LNG bunker supply and shareholder in Pavilion Bunker pilots before the 2024 Shell acquisition.
PERC (Powered Emergency Release Coupling): Hydraulically actuated coupling on LNG transfer arms allowing controlled emergency separation under operator command.
PetroChina Shenzhen: PetroChina (CNPC) subsidiary in Shenzhen operating Chinese LNG bunkering activity, including the Shenzhen Yiu Lian Shipyard programs.
Polaris (Avenir): 20,000 m3 LNG bunker vessel and small-scale carrier in the Avenir LNG fleet.
Polaris Marine: Singapore-based small-scale LNG and bunker vessel operator.
Pre-Arrival Bunker Checklist: Document confirming pre-arrival readiness of receiving vessel and bunker vessel under SGMF and ISO 20519 guidelines.
Pressure Control (LNG Tank): Operational management of LNG cargo and bunker tank pressure to remain below the maximum allowable working pressure.

Q

Q-Flex: 210,000 to 217,000 m3 LNG carriers, 14 in fleet built for Qatargas, propelled by twin slow-speed engines with onboard reliquefaction.
Q-Max: 263,000 to 266,000 m3 LNG carriers, 14 in fleet for Qatargas, dual reliquefaction trains; world's largest LNGCs.
Qatar Energy LNG Fleet: LNG carrier fleet of Q-Flex and Q-Max vessels under long-term charter to support Qatari LNG exports.
Quantum Park: 1,300 m3 LNG bunker articulated tug barge built by Fincantieri Bay Shipbuilding for Crowley and entering Jacksonville service in 2021 as the first US-built LNG bunker barge.

R

Repsol LNG Bunkering: Repsol LNG bunker supply operations in Iberia, including truck-to-ship deliveries at Algeciras and Cartagena.
Rotterdam LNG Bunkering: LNG bunker operations at the Port of Rotterdam, anchored by the Gate Terminal at Maasvlakte and served by Cardissa and Optimus.

S

Sabine Pass LNG: Cheniere Energy LNG export terminal in Cameron Parish, Louisiana, the first major US lower-48 LNG export facility with first cargo in 2016.
Samsung Heavy Industries (SHI): Korean shipbuilder, leading membrane LNGC yard.
SGMF: Society for Gas as a Marine Fuel, London-based industry body established in 2013, publishing bunkering safety guidelines and crew training recommended practices.
SGMF Bunkering Safety Guidelines: Industry safety guidance published by SGMF for LNG bunker transfer operations.
SGMF Crew Training Recommended Practice: SGMF recommended practice document on crew competence for LNG-fueled and LNG bunkering operations.
Shell Bunker Marine Trading: Shell business engaged in marine fuel supply, including LNG via Cardissa and the FueLNG joint venture.
Shenneng Tongli: 14,000 m3 LNG bunker vessel built by Yangzijiang Shipbuilding and delivered to Shenneng for service in Shanghai in 2022.
Shenzhen Yiu Lian: 18,600 m3 LNG bunker vessel built for PetroChina (CNPC) and delivered in 2020 as China's first dedicated LNG bunker vessel.
Ship-to-Ship LNG Bunkering (STS): LNG bunkering mode in which a bunker vessel moors alongside the receiving vessel and transfers LNG via cryogenic hoses or arms, typically at 1,000 to 5,000 m3 per delivery.
Shore-to-Ship LNG Bunkering: LNG bunkering mode using a fixed dock pipeline and loading arm at terminals such as Yokohama, Kawasaki, Singapore Jurong, Rotterdam Maasvlakte II, Antwerp, Hamburg, and Klaipeda.
SIGTTO: Society of International Gas Tanker and Terminal Operators; principal industry safety body for LNG carriers and terminals.
Singapore LNG Bunkering Hub: Singapore's LNG bunker supply cluster anchored by the SLNG Jurong terminal and operators FueLNG and Pavilion Energy.
Singapore LNG Corporation (SLNG): Operator of the Jurong Island LNG terminal in Singapore.
Single-Point Bunkering (SPB): Bunkering arrangement using a single manifold connection for LNG transfer, common on LNG-fueled merchant ships.
Skangas: Former Nordic LNG distribution company, renamed Gasum, the original operator of Coralius.
SOLAS Chapter II-1 Part G: SOLAS chapter making the IGF Code mandatory for ships using low-flashpoint fuels.
SOLAS Chapter II-2 Regulation 5: SOLAS fire safety regulation addressing fire growth potential, applied to LNG-fueled ship arrangements.
SOLAS Chapter II-2 Regulation 7: SOLAS fire safety regulation addressing detection and alarm, applied to LNG-fueled ship spaces.
Stolt-Nielsen: Norwegian-listed shipping group whose Stolt Tankers division is one of the world's largest operators of chemical parcel tankers.
Swinoujscie LNG: Polish LNG import terminal supporting Baltic LNG supply and incipient LNG bunkering.

T

TFDE (Tri-Fuel Diesel Electric): Wartsila 50DF or MAN 51/60DF engines burning HFO, MGO, and gas with electric propulsion.
TotalEnergies Marine Fuels: Global marine fuels business of TotalEnergies with desks in Singapore, Rotterdam, Fujairah, Houston, and Marseille.
Trifleet: Tank container leasing company offering cryogenic ISO tank containers used in containerized LNG bunkering.
Truck-to-Ship LNG Bunkering (TTS): LNG bunkering mode using one or more cryogenic road tankers connected to the receiving vessel via flexible hoses, typically delivering 30 to 180 m3 per operation.

V

Vapor return line: Cargo gas return between ship and shore on tankers/gas carriers.

W

Wartsila 50DF: Dual fuel medium speed engine for LNG carriers and dual fuel installations.
WinGD X-DF (XDF): Winterthur Gas and Diesel low-pressure dual-fuel two-stroke engine using a lean-burn Otto cycle, used on LNG-fueled merchant vessels.

Y

Yangzijiang Shipbuilding: Chinese private shipbuilder listed in Singapore.
Yokogawa RotaMass: Coriolis mass flow meter series used for LNG custody transfer measurement.
Yokohama LNG Bunkering: LNG bunker operations at the Port of Yokohama, Japan.

Z

Zeebrugge LNG Bunkering: LNG bunker operations at the Port of Zeebrugge, anchored by the Fluxys LNG terminal and the Engie Zeebrugge bunker vessel.