LPG Carrier

An LPG carrier is a vessel specifically designed to transport liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), which is a type of liquefied gas carrier. LPG mainly consists of propane, butane, or a mixture of both, which are gaseous at ambient temperature and must be liquefied under low temperature or high pressure to reduce volume for maritime transport. LPG carriers are classified by liquefaction method into fully pressurized, semi-refrigerated, and fully refrigerated types, with cargo containment systems including independent tanks and membrane tanks. Usage scenarios: In energy trade, LPG carriers are used to transport LPG from producing countries (e.g., the Middle East, the United States) to consuming countries (e.g., Japan, China), serving as a key link in the international liquefied gas supply chain. Precautions: LPG carriers must comply with the IMO International Code for the Construction and Equipment of Ships Carrying Liquefied Gases in Bulk (IGC Code); crew members need special training certificates; when chartering, cargo tank capacity, refrigeration capacity, and loading/discharging rates must be clearly specified; unlike LNG carriers, LPG carriers carry cargo with higher density and different temperature requirements, and LNG carriers typically use more complex membrane or spherical tank technology. Foreign trade practitioners need to distinguish between LPG and LNG in terms of trade terms, freight rates, and insurance requirements.