Explore the top 12 biggest LPG carriers in the world. Learn how these massive gas ships shape global energy trade through engineering excellence, smart logistics, and maritime innovation.
Why LPG Carriers Matter in Modern Maritime Operations
Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) has become a vital energy source for heating, cooking, transportation, and even petrochemical production. But behind every LPG-powered stove or vehicle is a silent giant at sea—an LPG carrier, transporting this valuable cargo across oceans safely and efficiently.
These ships are more than just floating tanks; they are high-tech vessels engineered to carry pressurized and sometimes refrigerated cargoes of propane, butane, or their mixtures. As global demand for cleaner-burning fuels rises—especially in Asia and emerging economies—LPG carriers are playing a central role in reshaping how energy moves across continents.
According to Clarksons Research (2024), global seaborne LPG trade surpassed 120 million metric tons annually, and growing. Larger, more efficient Very Large Gas Carriers (VLGCs) are leading this trend, with operators prioritizing low-emission propulsion, optimized cargo handling, and IMO-compliant safety systems.
In this article, we take you on a guided tour of the top 12 biggest LPG carriers—exploring their specs, innovations, operators, and real-world impact.
Top 12 Largest LPG Carriers Sailing Today
1. Panorama (2023)
Owner: BW LPG
Flag: Singapore
Capacity: ~93,000 m³
Shipbuilder: Daewoo Shipbuilding & Marine Engineering (DSME)
BW LPG’s flagship VLGC, Panorama, is one of the largest LPG carriers by cargo capacity. She is fitted with dual-fuel LPG propulsion, making her both economical and environmentally progressive.
🛠️ Notable Feature: Equipped with MAN B&W ME-LGIP engines, complying with IMO Tier III NOx emission limits without SCR systems.
2. ECO Pioneer (2023)
Owner: Eastern Pacific Shipping
Flag: Liberia
Capacity: 92,000 m³
Shipbuilder: Hyundai Heavy Industries
As part of EPS’s green fleet, ECO Pioneer supports LPG dual-fuel operations and digital performance monitoring systems provided by Inmarsat’s Fleet Data.
🔋 Sustainability Highlight: Reduced GHG emissions by 20% compared to conventional VLGCs, per DNV fuel trials.
3. Very Large Ethane Carrier (VLEC) Ethane Crystal
Owner: Reliance Industries
Flag: Marshall Islands
Capacity: ~87,000 m³ (ethane)
Shipbuilder: Samsung Heavy Industries
Though primarily ethane-focused, the sheer size and complexity of Ethane Crystal earn her a spot. She supports India’s ethane import strategy via long-haul voyages from the U.S.
⚙️ Design Element: Reinforced cargo containment system to maintain -94°C ethane temperature.
4. Harald Maersk (VLGC, 2022)
Owner: Maersk Tankers
Flag: Denmark
Capacity: 91,000 m³
Shipbuilder: Hyundai Samho Heavy Industries
Harald Maersk represents the return of Maersk to the LPG market with a robust, high-speed VLGC that integrates smart routing via Maersk Tankers’ SimBunker AI platform.
📈 Real-World Benefit: Reduced bunker consumption by up to 12% in Indian Ocean routes.
5. Crystal Zenith
Owner: Avance Gas
Flag: Bahamas
Capacity: 91,500 m³
Shipbuilder: DSME
This vessel is optimized for Panama Canal transits, with eco-mode enabled ballast tank adjustments to reduce draft and passage cost.
🌊 Operational Highlight: Used for U.S. Gulf to Japan long-haul contracts.
6. GAS Agility
Owner: Mitsui O.S.K. Lines (MOL)
Flag: Malta
Capacity: 90,000 m³
Shipbuilder: Kawasaki Heavy Industries
A new-generation VLGC, GAS Agility combines large capacity with smart LNG fuel crossover capabilities, giving her operational versatility in mixed cargo contracts.
📊 AI Support: Real-time weather routing and performance data via Wärtsilä Voyage platform.
7. Hellas Dynasty
Owner: Naftomar Shipping
Flag: Greece
Capacity: 90,000 m³
Shipbuilder: Hyundai Mipo Dockyard
The Hellas Dynasty demonstrates the robust presence of Greek LPG operators in the VLGC space. She’s active on Middle East–Far East lanes, with high utilization rates.
🧭 Fleet Application: Managed under DNV-approved condition-based maintenance system.
8. Gas Dignity
Owner: BW LPG
Flag: Singapore
Capacity: 88,000 m³
Shipbuilder: DSME
Among BW LPG’s most reliable ships, Gas Dignity frequently calls at Chinese ports and is renowned for safe terminal handling even under tight turnaround schedules.
🚢 Compliance: Certified under the IGC Code and Paris MoU high-performance white list.
9. Pacific Crystal
Owner: KSS Line (South Korea)
Flag: Panama
Capacity: 87,000 m³
Shipbuilder: Hyundai Samho
KSS Line has been expanding its VLGC fleet in line with Korea’s domestic LPG import strategy. Pacific Crystal also handles dual voyages with ethane cargoes.
🛰️ Tech Feature: Integrated satellite tracking via MarineTraffic and Equasis reporting.
10. Jag Vayu
Owner: Great Eastern Shipping (India)
Flag: India
Capacity: 86,000 m³
Shipbuilder: Jiangnan Shipyard
The largest LPG vessel under the Indian flag, Jag Vayu has been a strategic asset for Indian state-run energy importers, operating mostly in the Middle East–India corridor.
🛡️ Regulatory Fit: Complies with India’s DG Shipping and IMO Sulphur Cap 2020.
11. Epic Balta
Owner: Epic Gas / BW Epic Kosan
Flag: Singapore
Capacity: 85,000 m³
Shipbuilder: Hyundai Heavy Industries
Although BW Epic Kosan typically operates smaller LPG carriers, Epic Balta marks their foray into larger-capacity shipping. She also serves regional trades in East Asia.
📚 Case Study: Featured in Sea Asia 2023 as a model for fleet expansion strategy.
12. Briolette
Owner: Exmar
Flag: Belgium
Capacity: ~84,000 m³
Shipbuilder: Jiangnan Shipyard (China)
Belgian operator Exmar built Briolette to access both Atlantic and Pacific routes. She supports both LPG and ammonia-ready design, aligning with future fuel transitions.
⚡ Innovation: Equipped with ammonia-ready notation from Lloyd’s Register.
Key Technologies and Developments in LPG Shipping
Over the past five years, LPG carriers have seen radical innovations in propulsion, emissions control, and automation. Let’s explore what’s reshaping the sector.
LPG as Fuel
Thanks to MAN’s ME-LGIP engines, LPG is now being used as bunker fuel, slashing SOx emissions by nearly 97% and NOx by up to 20%—without scrubbers.
Smart Tank Monitoring
Advanced cargo control systems now use cryogenic sensors, real-time tank pressure readings, and cloud-based monitoring platforms—key to reducing boil-off and maximizing discharge accuracy.
Emissions Compliance
Following IMO MARPOL Annex VI and the IGC Code, modern VLGCs are equipped with exhaust gas cleaning systems, energy-efficient hull coatings, and EEDI (Energy Efficiency Design Index) compliance technologies.
Case Study: BW LPG’s Dual-Fuel Fleet Transition
BW LPG’s investment in retrofitting its fleet with dual-fuel engines has been one of the most successful decarbonization efforts in the LPG shipping world. According to company data and DNV class certifications, ships like BW Gemini and BW Leo reduced fuel costs by 20–25% and GHG emissions by up to 30%. This strategy not only improved operational efficiency but also future-proofed the fleet against tightening IMO targets.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between LPG and LNG carriers?
LPG carriers transport liquefied petroleum gas (propane, butane), which is kept under pressure or cooled to around -45°C. LNG carriers transport methane cooled to -162°C. Their tank structures and insulation systems differ significantly.
What are the main trade routes for VLGCs?
Key routes include U.S. Gulf to Asia, Middle East to Japan/Korea/China, and intra-Asia coastal trades. The Panama and Suez Canals remain critical chokepoints.
Why are dual-fuel engines becoming standard in LPG carriers?
Because LPG can be used as both cargo and fuel, dual-fuel engines reduce emissions and reliance on conventional heavy fuel oil, helping vessels meet IMO 2030 decarbonization targets.
Are LPG carriers allowed in all ports?
Not always. Some terminals restrict entry to vessels without certified gas-detection and overpressure safety systems, as mandated by port state control regimes like Paris MoU or Tokyo MoU.
How do LPG carriers handle emergencies?
They follow strict SOLAS and IGC Code standards, with onboard gas detection, fire suppression, emergency shutdown (ESD) systems, and regular crew drills as per ISM Code procedures.
Conclusion: Giants Beneath the Flame
LPG carriers may not be as glamorous as cruise liners or as universally known as container ships, but they are critical pillars of the energy trade. As global demand for clean-burning fuels rises—and decarbonization becomes non-negotiable—these vessels are evolving fast, combining bulk capacity with environmental responsibility.
The twelve ships featured here are more than steel hulls and cargo holds—they’re symbols of engineering excellence, operational discipline, and maritime innovation.
👉 Call to Action:
Whether you’re a cadet, maritime executive, or shipping enthusiast, keep these vessels on your radar. They don’t just carry gas—they carry the future of sustainable shipping.
References
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Clarksons Research. (2024). LPG Fleet and Trade Outlook.
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IMO. (2023). International Code for the Construction and Equipment of Ships Carrying Liquefied Gases in Bulk (IGC Code). https://www.imo.org
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Lloyd’s Register. (2023). Ammonia-Ready Notations for Gas Carriers. https://www.lr.org
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BW LPG. (2023). Sustainability & Fleet Data. https://www.bwlpg.com
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Inmarsat. (2022). Fleet Data Maritime IoT Platform. https://www.inmarsat.com
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DNV. (2023). Class Rules for LPG and Ethane Carriers. https://www.dnv.com
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MarineTraffic. (2024). Live Vessel Monitoring and AIS. https://www.marinetraffic.com
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Paris MoU. (2023). White List of High-Performing Flag States. https://www.parismou.org