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<\/div>\nLNG Carriers are specialised vessels that transport LNG at extremely low temperatures, around -162 degrees Celsius, to keep the gas in a liquid state. These ships are a vital link in the global natural gas supply chain, enabling the bulk movement of LNG from production centres to worldwide markets.<\/p>\n
Modern LNG Carriers<\/a> range from 135,000 to 175,000 m3, but the biggest, like the Q-Flex and Q-Max<\/a> classes, can carry around 210,000 and 266,000 m3 of LNG.<\/p>\n The biggest LNG Carriers operating today are undoubtedly the Q-Max class, specifically ships like Mozah and her sisters.<\/p>\n These behemoths, operated by Qatargas and Nakilat, have an LNG carrying capacity of 266,000 m3 and a length of 345 m, and a width of 53 to 55 m with a 12 m draft.<\/p>\n 14 Q-Max ships are currently operational and feature advanced systems, which will be discussed in this article.<\/p>\n Mozah was built in 2008 by Samsung Heavy Industries and is the world\u2019s largest LNG carrier, a title it shares with its sister ships since all Q-Max vessels have the same maximum capacity and dimensions.<\/p>\n Though new design concepts and new builds are being proposed, such as by Chinese shipyards, which may surpass the Q-Max in capacity, as of May 2025, Q-Max remains the largest LNG-class in active service.<\/p>\n The biggest LNG Carrier is powered by two MAN B&W slow-speed and electronically controlled diesel engines, which burn heavy fuel oil. This is more efficient and environmentally friendly than steam turbines.<\/p>\n If the engine fails, one engine can be decoupled, enabling the ship to maintain a speed of 14 knots, though it can attain a maximum speed of 19.5 knots.<\/p>\n These ships have around 40% less energy needs and lower carbon emissions than traditional LNG Carriers.<\/p>\n They also have a membrane-type LNG containment system, with the biggest shipboard LNG tanks ever constructed.<\/p>\n Other advanced systems include an onboard re-liquefaction system for handling boil-off gas, liquefying it and returning the LNG to the cargo tanks, reducing cargo losses and environmental impact.<\/p>\n They also have advanced fire-fighting systems which use fog water and foam instead of carbon dioxide. They also feature hull antifouling protection and better insulation modules in their cargo tanks to lessen LNG-boil off.<\/p>\n These ships are massive and were designed to berth at Qatar\u2019s Ras Laffan Terminal, maximising compatibility with major LNG export infrastructure.<\/p>\n Each vessel can carry enough LNG to supply around 70,000 homes for an entire year.<\/p>\n Since they accommodate such big volumes in a single trip, transport and fuel costs are also reduced, making these Q-Max Carriers a benchmark for efficiency, maritime safety and performance in the LNG industry.<\/p>\n You might also like to read-<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n![\"LNG](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.marineinsight.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/LNG-Carrier.jpg?resize=800%2C419\")