Shipping Could Need Up to 208 LNG Bunkering Vessels by 2030: DNV

The global shipping industry could require as many as 208 LNG bunkering vessels by the end of 2030 as demand for LNG as a marine fuel continues to increase, according to a new white paper from classification society DNV.

DNV’s Gas Bunker Vessels white paper estimates that the global LNG bunkering fleet currently comprises around 70 vessels. More than 30 additional vessels are already contracted for delivery between 2026 and 2029.

Under DNV’s higher-demand scenario, approximately 208 LNG bunkering vessels would be required by the end of 2030. The estimate is based on Clarksons’ LNG marine fuel demand projection and assumes that LNG-capable vessels use LNG for 100% of their marine fuel requirements in 2030.

A lower-demand scenario would require around 165 LNG bunkering vessels by the end of the decade.

LNG Bunkering Fleet Adequate Through 2027

DNV expects the existing LNG bunkering fleet, together with vessels already on order, to meet projected marine fuel demand through 2027.

However, additional bunkering capacity is expected to be required from 2028 through 2030 as the number of LNG-fuelled ships increases and fuel consumption rises.

The projected expansion highlights the need for shipowners, bunker suppliers and infrastructure providers to coordinate fleet growth with the deployment of supporting LNG bunkering infrastructure.

LNG-Fuelled Fleet Continues to Expand

The increase in bunkering demand is closely linked to the growth of the LNG-fuelled fleet.

Around 900 LNG-fuelled vessels, excluding LNG carriers, are currently operating worldwide, while approximately 650 additional vessels are on order and expected to enter service before 2030.

LNG consumption by LNG-fuelled ships increased by more than 500% between 2020 and 2024. DNV expects consumption to increase by a further 167% between 2025 and 2030.

The growth in both vessel numbers and fuel consumption is expected to place greater pressure on the availability and geographical distribution of LNG bunkering capacity.

LNG Bunkering Requires Wider Infrastructure Investment

DNV said expanding the LNG bunkering fleet will need to be accompanied by investment across the wider bunkering infrastructure network.

This includes LNG storage facilities, dedicated berths and compatible fuel-transfer systems. Digital solutions for scheduling and operational coordination will also become increasingly important as bunkering activity grows.

The infrastructure requirements extend beyond the bunkering vessels themselves, making coordination between ports, fuel suppliers and shipping companies an important factor in meeting future LNG demand.

Asia Expected to Drive LNG Bunkering Growth

Europe remains the most established LNG bunkering market, reflecting its earlier development of LNG fuel infrastructure and supply networks.

Asia, however, is expected to be the main growth market. Singapore, China, South Korea and Japan are expanding their LNG bunkering capabilities as regional demand for LNG-fuelled shipping increases.

The expansion of infrastructure in these markets is likely to influence the future availability and geographical coverage of LNG marine fuel.

LNG Bunkering Capacity to Become a Key Shipping Infrastructure Issue

DNV’s projections indicate that the LNG bunkering sector will need significant expansion during the second half of the decade if marine fuel demand follows the higher-growth scenario.

With hundreds of additional LNG-fuelled vessels expected to enter service before 2030, the industry will need to align bunker vessel capacity with fuel demand while ensuring sufficient storage, port infrastructure and transfer systems.

The scale of investment required will ultimately depend on the pace of LNG-fuelled fleet growth and the extent to which LNG-capable ships rely on LNG as their primary marine fuel.