The LPG fleet segments
| Class | Approximate size | Carriage |
|---|---|---|
| VLGC (Very Large Gas Carrier) | ~44,000-55,000+ cbm | Fully refrigerated, long-haul |
| Midsize/LGC | ~20,000-40,000 cbm | Fully refrigerated, regional and cross-basin |
| Pressurised/semi-refrigerated | Small, typically under 10,000 cbm | Short-haul, coastal and regional distribution |
VLGCs are the LPG equivalent of the VLCC - the vessel of choice for the largest long-haul flows, principally US and Middle East propane and butane exports to Asia.
Fully refrigerated vs pressurised carriage
Fully refrigerated carriers keep LPG liquid by cooling it to near its boiling point at atmospheric pressure, which requires insulated tanks but allows large cargo volumes. Pressurised carriers keep the gas liquid by containing it under pressure at ambient temperature, which is simpler and suits smaller vessels and shorter voyages but does not scale to VLGC size.
- Fully refrigerated: larger vessels, lower unit shipping cost, standard for long-haul VLGC trade.
- Pressurised: smaller vessels, simpler tank design, standard for coastal and short-sea distribution.
- Semi-refrigerated vessels combine elements of both and serve the midsize regional trade.
Main trade flows
US Gulf exports of propane and butane to Asia and Europe, and Middle East exports to Asia, are the dominant long-haul VLGC flows. Regional midsize and pressurised trades move LPG for domestic heating, cooking and petrochemical feedstock use across shorter distances, and this regional distribution layer is far less visible in market commentary than the VLGC benchmark routes but represents a large share of total fleet activity.
Frequently asked questions
What is a VLGC?
A Very Large Gas Carrier, the largest class of LPG vessel, typically 44,000 to 55,000-plus cubic metres, fully refrigerated and built for long-haul propane and butane trade - most prominently US and Middle East exports to Asia.
What is the difference between fully refrigerated and pressurised LPG carriage?
Fully refrigerated vessels cool the cargo to near its boiling point at atmospheric pressure, enabling large cargo volumes. Pressurised vessels keep the gas liquid under pressure at ambient temperature, which suits smaller vessels on shorter voyages but does not scale efficiently to VLGC size.
Do LPG carriers only carry propane and butane?
Those are the dominant cargoes, but the same fleet also carries other liquefied gases such as ammonia and, on some vessels, petrochemical gases, depending on tank coating and vessel specification.