Visiongain has published a new report entitled Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) Bunkering Market Report 2025-2035. This comprehensive study provides detailed insight into the current drivers and forecasts for the 10-year forecast period. Our independent analysis shows that the global liquefied natural gas (LNG) bunkering market is estimated at US$1,789.2 million in 2025 and is projected to grow at a CAGR of 22.6% to 2035.

Impact of US Trade Tariffs on the Global Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) Bunkering Market   

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has recently taken significant steps to remove regulatory barriers affecting the liquefied natural gas (LNG) bunkering market, particularly impacting facilities like JAX LNG in Jacksonville, Florida. These changes are poised to streamline operations and potentially reshape the global LNG bunkering landscape. In February 2025, the DOE issued an order modifying its previous stance under the Natural Gas Act (NGA), clarifying that ship-to-ship transfers of LNG for use as marine fuel at U.S. ports, in U.S. waters, or in international waters are no longer considered exports. This decision effectively removes the requirement for such operations to obtain export authorisations from the DOE, thereby reducing regulatory burdens and facilitating more efficient LNG bunkering activities. 

However, it is important to note that ship-to-ship transfers of U.S. LNG occurring within the territorial waters of a foreign country, including foreign ports, will still be classified as exports and remain under DOE jurisdiction. This regulatory shift is expected to bolster the LNG bunkering sector in the U.S., encouraging the use of LNG as a cleaner marine fuel alternative. The International Energy Agency (IEA) projects that the number of LNG-fuelled ships will nearly double to over 1,200 vessels by 2028, driven by stricter emissions regulations in the maritime industry. The DOE’s decision aligns with broader efforts to promote LNG as a viable marine fuel, supporting environmental goals and enhancing the competitiveness of U.S. LNG in the global market. Facilities like JAX LNG are now better positioned to meet the growing demand for LNG bunkering services, contributing to the expansion of cleaner fuel options in maritime transportation.

Technological Advancements in LNG Bunkering Infrastructure

Innovations in LNG bunkering technology are significantly improving operational efficiency, safety, and scalability. These include the development of ship-to-ship (STS) LNG bunkering vessels, automated transfer systems, and hybrid propulsion systems that support dual-fuel engines.

TotalEnergies launched the Gas Agility, the world’s largest LNG bunker vessel, to serve CMA CGM’s LNG-powered container ships in Northern Europe. It has also introduced the Brassavola, Singapore’s first LNG bunker vessel, to support its expanding Southeast Asian operations.

Other notable players like MAN Energy Solutions are pushing forward with dual-fuel engine technologies, while Wärtsilä continues to develop compact, modular LNG storage and supply systems optimised for small- to mid-size vessels. Technological innovations are significant in enabling small ports to develop flexible LNG bunkering services without massive infrastructure investments.

How will this Report Benefit you?

Visiongain’s 372-page report provides 115 tables and 179 charts/graphs. Our new study is suitable for anyone requiring commercial, in-depth analysis of the liquefied natural gas (LNG) bunkering market and detailed segment analysis. Our latest study will help you evaluate the global and regional market for liquefied natural gas (LNG) bunkering. Get financial analysis of the overall market and different segments, including application, end-user, infrastructure, and vessel type, and capture a higher market share. We believe there are strong opportunities in this fast-growing liquefied natural gas (LNG) bunkering market.

What are the Current Market Drivers?

Strategic Role of Major Industry Players and Alliances

The strategic investments and alliances of major players increasingly shape the global LNG bunkering market. These include energy giants, shipping lines, and infrastructure developers that are creating integrated supply chains for LNG as a marine fuel.

Shell is a dominant player with partnerships across Europe, Asia, and the Americas. It has over 15 LNG bunker vessels under charter and collaborates with shipowners like Carnival Corporation and Hapag-Lloyd to supply LNG-fueled cruise and container ships.

TotalEnergies has entered joint ventures with Pavilion Energy and Mitsui O.S.K. Lines (MOL) to expand LNG bunkering infrastructure in Singapore, the world’s largest bunkering port.

Meanwhile, Kawasaki Kisen Kaisha (K Line), NYK Line, and MOL in Japan are heavily investing in LNG-powered fleets and co-developing bunkering hubs in collaboration with utilities like Tokyo Gas and JERA.

Such strategic collaborations enhance LNG availability and help standardise operational procedures and technical compatibility across regions, reducing risk and increasing market confidence.

Geopolitical Influences and Energy Security Considerations

Geopolitical developments significantly impact the LNG bunkering market by influencing global LNG supply chains, pricing, and regional fuel preferences. The Russia–Ukraine conflict, for example, triggered a substantial reshuffling of LNG trade flows, pushing Europe to diversify its gas sources and accelerating investments in LNG import terminals and bunkering services.

European nations, particularly Germany, fast-tracked the deployment of Floating Storage Regasification Units (FSRUs) in Wilhelmshaven and Brunsbüttel to ensure energy security. These terminals also provide a dual role in bunkering services, thus indirectly bolstering the maritime LNG supply chain.

In Asia, China’s Belt and Road Initiative includes LNG port infrastructure development in Southeast Asia and Africa, creating new LNG bunkering corridors.

At the same time, heightened tensions in the South China Sea and the Middle East have prompted regional players to diversify LNG supply contracts and invest in domestic bunkering capabilities to reduce exposure to volatile supply routes.

Additionally, the U.S.’s emergence as a top LNG exporter, along with Australia and Qatar, has changed the dynamics of pricing benchmarks (Henry Hub, JKM, TTF), affecting LNG competitiveness in different regions and influencing long-term bunkering decisions by shipping companies.

Where are the Market Opportunities?

Expansion of Green Shipping Corridors

The global push to decarbonize maritime trade has led to the emergence of green shipping corridors—specific maritime routes where low- or zero-emission fuels like LNG are prioritized. These corridors represent a massive opportunity for LNG bunkering service providers to establish dedicated fuelling networks across major ports.

The Clydebank Declaration, signed by 24 countries including the U.S., UK, and South Korea, commits to establishing at least six green corridors by the mid-2020s. The Singapore–Rotterdam Green Corridor, backed by the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore and the Port of Rotterdam, aims to support alternative fuel adoption—particularly LNG and methanol—in the near term.

Companies such as TotalEnergies, Shell, and Gasum are actively aligning their LNG bunkering infrastructure plans with these corridors, enhancing visibility, utilisation, and return on investment.

By positioning LNG as a transitional fuel in green corridors, bunkering providers can play a central role in maritime decarbonization while scaling up their global footprint.

Fleet Modernisation and Growing Demand for LNG-Fuelled Vessels

As shipping companies strive to comply with the IMO’s decarbonization goals and regional environmental regulations, many invest in new LNG-fuelled vessels or retrofit existing fleets. This trend is creating robust downstream demand for LNG bunkering services.

According to DNV’s Alternative Fuels Insight platform, over 450 LNG-powered ships are in operation globally as of 2024, with more than 500 on order. Major players like CMA CGM, MSC, and Hapag-Lloyd are leading the shift by investing in large-scale LNG-capable container ships.

Carnival Corporation has also adopted LNG for its cruise ships, including the Mardi Gras, which became North America’s first LNG-powered cruise vessel.

This growing fleet of LNG-powered vessels ensures a stable and increasing demand base for bunkering services, creating new opportunities for port operators, bunker vessel operators, and infrastructure investors.

Competitive Landscape

The major players operating in the liquefied natural gas (LNG) bunkering market are Arkas Holding SA, Broadview Energy Solutions B.V., Crowley Maritime Corp., Eagle LNG Partners, Equinor ASA, EVOL LNG, Fluxys SA, Gasum Oy, Harvey Gulf International Marine LLC, Naturgy Energy Group SA, PETRONAS Chemicals Group Berhad, Petronet LNG Ltd., QLNG Transport LLC, Shell plc, Total Energies SE. These major players operating in this market have adopted various strategies comprising M&A, collaborations, investment in R&D, regional business expansion, partnerships, and new product launch.

Recent Developments

• 07-Apr-25, Shell acquired Pavilion Energy, a Singapore-based LNG company. This acquisition enhances Shell’s LNG portfolio, adding approximately 6.5 million tonnes per annum (mtpa) to its supply volume and strengthening its position in the Asian LNG market.
• 10-Mar-25, Gasum conducted its first LNG bunkering operation in Hamburg, supplying LNG to the vessel Höegh Sunlight at the Port of Gothenburg. This operation exemplifies Gasum’s commitment to expanding its LNG bunkering services in key European ports.
• 27-Jan-25, Petronet LNG signed an agreement with LTL Holdings Ltd. to supply LNG to Sri Lanka’s power plants via its Kochi terminal. This initiative marks Petronet’s expansion into South Asia’s liquefied natural gas bunkering market.

Notes for Editors

 Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) Bunkering Market Report 2025-2035 : (Including Impact of U.S. Trade Tariffs): Forecasts by Application (Inland Bunkering, Offshore Bunkering), by End-user (Commercial Shipping, Offshore Oil & Gas, Military/Naval Vessels, Other), by Infrastructure (Ship-to-Ship (STS), Terminal-to-Ship (TPS), Truck-to-Ship (TTS), Ship-to-Shore (STS), Other), by Vessel Type (Container Ships, Tankers, Ferries & Offshore Support Vessels (OSVs), Bulk Carriers, Cruise Ships, Other) AND Regional and Leading National Market Analysis PLUS Analysis of Leading Companies.

If you would like a more detailed overview of this report, please email contactus@visiongain.com or call +44 207 336 6100.

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