Voyage of discoveries [transporting LNG]

As more and more nations switch to cleaner fuels in a bid to hit Kyoto commitments, transporters of liquefied natural gas (LNG) are reaping the benefits. Natural gas is supplied to around 40 reception terminals in energy consuming countries. International LNG trade dates back to 1964, and, since then, more than 80,000 LNG carrier voyages have taken place, covering more than 100 million miles, without major accidents or safety problems. While this sounds impressive, it is the recent onslaught of technology development in LNG carriers that has really turned heads. While the demand for cleaner fuels has spurred on the transportation of liquefied natural gas, it may also be accelerating the development of new, exciting tanker technologies. The article discusses developments such as the successful use of dual-fuel engines (diesel engines designed to use gas fuel), the surge in diesel-electric carriers, on-board liquefaction and the increasing use of electronic control of marine engines.