Explainers
The LNG Shipping Value Chain: From Liquefaction to Regasification
Follow natural gas from production through liquefaction, ocean transport, regasification and final use.
One connected system
Production, treatment, liquefaction, storage, shipping and regasification form a single chain. A constraint at any interface limits the whole.
Understanding the chain makes individual vessel and technology decisions much easier to interpret.
From field to liquid
Gas is treated to remove components that would freeze at cryogenic temperature, then cooled until it becomes liquid at around −162 °C.
Liquefaction takes place onshore or offshore on an FLNG facility, and reduces volume by roughly 600 times.
Ocean transport and distribution
Ocean-going carriers move large parcels between major terminals, while feeder vessels, small-scale carriers and barges serve regional and coastal demand.
Boil-off gas is managed throughout the voyage as part of normal cargo operations.
Back to gas
At an import terminal or FSRU, LNG is pumped to pressure and warmed in vaporisers before entering the pipeline network.
From there gas reaches power generation, industry, distribution networks and, increasingly, marine fuel supply.
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- Status
- Educational overview — editorial review required
- Seeded educational summary awaiting editorial and technical review.
- Last reviewed
- 15 September 2026
- Source status
- Sources pending editorial review.
Technical parameters are indicative and may vary by vessel design, generation, shipyard, operator and intended service.