LPGcarriers

LPG carriers are ships designed to transport liquefied petroleum gas in bulk. They carry propane, butane, and other hydrocarbon gases used for heating, fuel, and chemical feedstocks. To keep the cargo in a liquid state at ambient sea temperatures, LPG carriers use specialized cargo containment systems and, depending on the cargo, may operate as fully pressurized vessels, semi-pressurized and refrigerated vessels, or fully refrigerated (cryogenic) ships. The choice of tank type depends on the gas's pressure-temperature characteristics and the desired cargo volume.

Cargo tanks are typically insulated spheres or streamlined cylinders with robust materials to withstand internal pressures and to minimize boil-off. Propane and butane are common LPGs; some shipments may include mixtures of LPGs.

Loading and discharge require dedicated pumping and transfer arrangements, inert gas blanketing, and careful gas detection and ventilation. Boil-off gas is managed as fuel or re-liquified where feasible, and safety systems include emergency shutdowns and gas detectors.

LPG carriers operate globally, moving cargoes from producing areas such as the Middle East and the Americas to consumer regions in Europe and Asia. They adhere to international standards, notably the International Code for the Construction and Equipment of Ships Carrying Liquefied Gases in Bulk (IGC Code) and SOLAS, along with MARPOL for environmental protection, and are registered with classification societies that certify hull integrity and cargo systems.

Overall, LPG carriers form a specialized segment of chemical tankers, with fleet diversity reflecting cargo properties and operational requirements.