The shuttle between import hubs and satellite terminals.
- Operational role
- LNG Feeder Vessel
- Containment system
- Type C Pressure Tanks · Bi-Lobe Type C Tanks · GTT Mark III Membrane
- Capacity class
- Mid-scale (indicative: approximately 30,000–100,000 m³)
- Indicative capacity
- 8K–45K m³
- Tank geometry
- Bi-lobe Type C pressure vessels, or small membrane tanks on larger feeders
- Typical application
- Shuttling parcels from a large import terminal or FSU to smaller satellite terminals
- Hull-space efficiency
- Moderate — depends on whether Type C or membrane containment is fitted
- Infrastructure requirements
- One large hub terminal plus several smaller receiving jetties
- Propulsion options
- DFDE / TFDE · X-DF
- BOG management
- BOG as fuel · Reliquefaction
- Advantages
- Connects hub terminals to markets too small for a full cargo — Parcel sizes match regional storage and demand — Often able to serve both terminal discharge and bunkering duties
- Limitations
- Requires a reliable hub terminal with transhipment capability — Voyage economics are sensitive to utilisation and waiting time — Boil-off management differs sharply between Type C and membrane designs
- Typical routes
- Baltic hub-and-spoke services · Mediterranean satellite terminal supply · Indonesian inter-island distribution