Monday, November 2
Shadow

Gas Carriers

Welcome to the GAS CARRIERS section at SEAMEN.ES, your specialized hub dedicated to one of the most dynamic and high-tech segments of the maritime industry. We provide in-depth analysis, expert reports, and the latest news covering the transportation of Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG), Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG), and other specialized gas cargoes.

Why explore our Gas Carrier resources?

Advanced Technology & Innovation: Discover the latest developments in containment systems, cargo handling equipment, and propulsion technologies used in modern gas shipping.

Operational Excellence: Learn from industry experts about the technical nuances of managing gas carriers, including cargo operation procedures and maintenance best practices.

Safety & Environmental Standards: Stay informed on the rigorous safety protocols (SIGTTO guidelines, etc.) and environmental regulations essential for the carriage of hazardous gas cargoes.

Market Trends: Gain insights into the global LNG/LPG market, key industry players, and the future outlook of the energy shipping sector.

Our mission is to bridge the gap between technical expertise and industry intelligence. Whether you are a crew member looking to expand your technical knowledge or a professional following market developments, our Gas Carriers section offers the critical data you need.

Stay at the forefront of the gas shipping industry. Follow our GAS CARRIERS section to keep up with the technical and operational advancements shaping the future of energy transportation.

LNG Cargo Compressor: Working Principle & Fix | SEAMEN

LNG Cargo Compressor: Working Principle & Fix | SEAMEN

Gas Carriers, Insights
Working Principles of the Cryogenic LNG Cargo Compressor Boil-off gas management aboard modern liquefied natural gas carriers relies on the continuous, precision operation of the shipboard LNG cargo compressor. Unlike LPG reciprocating machinery, LNG compressors handle cryogenic methane vapor (CH4) at temperatures down to -140°C and colder. Designed as high-speed centrifugal or multi-stage radial units driven by electric motors or steam turbines, these machines rotate at speeds between 12,000 and 15,000 RPM. They are engineered to compress large volumetric flows of cryogenic gas without mechanical seizing, seal degradation, or thermodynamic surging. Onboard an LNG tanker, compressor installations are segregated into two distinct operational duties under the IGC Code: Low-Duty (LD) compres...
Calibration of Level Sensors in Cargo Tanks

Calibration of Level Sensors in Cargo Tanks

Blogs, Gas Carriers, Posts
Calibration of Level Sensors in Cargo Tanks Accurate measurement of liquid cargo is critical for the commercial operation and safety of any tanker or gas carrier. The Custody Transfer System (CTS) relies heavily on the precision of cargo tank level sensors. Overfill incidents can lead to catastrophic environmental damage and vessel loss. This technical instruction details the methodologies for calibrating and verifying the accuracy of level sensors in cargo tanks. Types of Level Sensors on Modern Tankers Several technologies are employed for level gauging, each requiring specific calibration approaches: Radar Level Gauges (FMCW): The industry standard for LNG and LPG. They emit microwave signals down a stilling well and measure the time of flight of the reflection. They are highly accu...
Safety Footwear for Gas Carriers: The EN ISO 20345 Standard

Safety Footwear for Gas Carriers: The EN ISO 20345 Standard

Blogs, Gas Carriers, Posts
Safety Footwear for Gas Carriers: The EN ISO 20345 Standard Working on board a gas carrier (LNG/LPG) exposes seafarers to a unique combination of hazards. From the extreme cold of cryogenic spills to the constant risk of explosive atmospheres and slippery steel decks in the engine room, proper Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is non-negotiable. At the foundation of this protection is safety footwear. This engineering overview breaks down the critical requirements of the EN ISO 20345 standard specifically tailored for maritime professionals on gas carriers. Decoding the EN ISO 20345 Classifications The EN ISO 20345 standard defines the basic and additional requirements for safety footwear used for general purposes. For the demanding environment of a gas carrier, a basic safety shoe is i...
Inerting and Gassing-Up Procedures on Gas Carriers

Inerting and Gassing-Up Procedures on Gas Carriers

Blogs, Gas Carriers, Posts
Inerting and Gassing-Up Procedures on Gas Carriers For any marine engineer or cargo officer working on LNG (Liquefied Natural Gas) or LPG (Liquefied Petroleum Gas) carriers, mastering cargo conditioning procedures is paramount. Among the most critical of these operations are inerting and gassing-up. These processes prevent the formation of explosive mixtures within the cargo tanks and associated piping, ensuring the vessel's safety during loading, discharging, and dry-docking. This technical guide delves into the physicochemical principles and practical execution of these procedures. The Principles of Inerting Inerting is the process of replacing the atmosphere in a cargo tank (usually air or flammable vapor) with an inert gas. The primary goal is to reduce the oxygen concentration below ...
Transitioning from Bulk to Gas Carriers: A Guide for Juniors

Transitioning from Bulk to Gas Carriers: A Guide for Juniors

Blogs, Gas Carriers, Posts
Transitioning from Bulk Carriers to Gas Carriers: A Guide for Juniors Dreaming of trading coal dust for the sterile decks of gas carriers? Transitioning from the bulk fleet to LPG (Liquefied Petroleum Gas) vessels is a popular and justified career move for junior specialists (cadets, 4th engineers, 3rd officers). In this guide by seamen.es, we will explain why you should make this move and how to prepare for it. Why Gas Carriers? Advantages of LPG Contracts Working on gas carriers is considered elite in the merchant fleet, and for good reasons: Contract Duration: While a standard contract for a junior on bulkers lasts 6-8 months, on gas carriers it is 4-5 months. This allows you to be home more often and reduces psychological burnout. Salaries: Rates on LPG are on average 20-40% high...
Specifics of Transporting Ammonia and Propylene on LPG

Specifics of Transporting Ammonia and Propylene on LPG

Gas Carriers, Posts
Specifics of Transporting Ammonia and Propylene on LPG Carriers Transporting chemical gases on LPG (Liquefied Petroleum Gas) vessels requires the highest qualifications from the crew. Unlike standard propane or butane, ammonia and propylene pose a serious threat to both the seafarers' health and the vessel. In this technical article for seamen.es, we will dissect the specifics of working on Fully Ref (Fully Refrigerated) gas carriers with toxic and reactive cargoes. Differences Between VLGC Operations and Vessels for Ammonia and VCM VLGC (Very Large Gas Carrier) type vessels mostly transport exclusively liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) — propane and butane. These cargoes are relatively predictable. However, mid-size (MGC) and small gas carriers often operate in the chemical gas niche (Ammoni...
Crewing Interviews for Gas Engineers

Crewing Interviews for Gas Engineers

Blogs, Gas Carriers, Posts
Crewing Interviews for Gas Engineers: How to Succeed Successfully passing a technical interview is the main hurdle on the way to a high-paying job on LPG and LNG gas carriers. In this guide for seamen.es, we will break down what questions superintendents ask engineers (2nd, 3rd, 4th Engineer) and how to prepare for interviews in crewing agencies (including popular Odessa agencies like CRS). Typical Tricky Questions from Superintendents Interviews with representatives of foreign shipowners (Greeks, Chinese, Singaporeans) often go beyond standard tests. You will be tested on your understanding of processes, not just your knowledge of manuals. For those starting out, it's crucial to show an excellent theoretical foundation. "What will you do if the high-pressure alarm in the compressor cr...
Seafarers’ Salaries on LPG and LNG Tankers in 2026

Seafarers’ Salaries on LPG and LNG Tankers in 2026

Blogs, Gas Carriers, Posts
Seafarers' Salaries on LPG and LNG Tankers in 2026 The maritime energy transportation market is experiencing rapid growth, and 2026 is no exception. The demand for clean fuel is driving the construction of new LPG and LNG gas carriers. In this article for seamen.es, we will conduct an in-depth analysis of the current salary levels on gas carriers, examine the influence of major shipowners, and break down contract nuances. Rate Dynamics for Officers: Masters, Chief Officers, CENG, and 2nd Officers In 2026, rates on gas carriers continue to hold leading positions in the industry. The acute shortage of qualified personnel with experience on LNG and specialized LPG vessels forces companies to revise their salary scales upwards. Rank Average Salary on LPG ($/mo) Average Salary on LNG ($/mo)...
Working on LPG Gas Carriers: Salaries, Vacancies, and Specifics

Working on LPG Gas Carriers: Salaries, Vacancies, and Specifics

Blogs, Gas Carriers, Posts
Introduction: The Growing Popularity of the Gas Carrier Fleet In recent years, the maritime industry has witnessed a significant increase in demand for Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) and Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) transportation. This is driven by the global transition towards greener fuels and the growing needs of the chemical industry. Working on LPG gas carriers is becoming increasingly attractive for seafarers, offering high salaries, modern vessels, and excellent career prospects. However, this field requires specialized knowledge, strict discipline, and a readiness to handle hazardous cargoes. Overview of Current Salaries on LPG and LNG Gas Carriers One of the main reasons seafarers transition to gas carriers is the compensation level, which is traditionally higher than on bulk carr...
Alcap & EPC 60: The End of Manual Gravity Disc Tuning

Alcap & EPC 60: The End of Manual Gravity Disc Tuning

Gas Carriers
The Problem with Gravity Discs: Why Manual Tuning Fails For decades, gravity discs have been the backbone of fuel separation technology—a simple, mechanical solution to a complex problem. At their core, they rely on a fundamental principle: the balance between centrifugal force and the density difference between oil and water. By selecting a disc with the right diameter, engineers could theoretically set the oil-water interface at an optimal point, ensuring clean fuel exits the separator while water and sludge are efficiently discharged. But here’s the catch: gravity discs assume the fuel’s density is fixed. And in the real world, fuel is anything but predictable. Every gravity disc is calibrated based on a theoretical density—often provided by the fuel supplier or estimated from past exp...