What is LNG?

Liquefied natural gas (LNG) is a clean and affordable method for natural gas transportation.

Liquefied Natural Gas is natural gas that has been super-cooled below minus 260 degrees Fahrenheit (minus 162 degrees Celsius) and condensed into a liquid. It occupies 600 times less space than its gas form, which allows it to be transported in ships from remote locations to markets where it’s needed. At a receipt terminal, LNG is unloaded and stored until it is warmed back into its gaseous state and moved via pipeline to consumers.

Natural gas is a key component to global decarbonization as it helps replace fuel oil and coal when used for power generation.
In the form of LNG, natural gas can be shipped from the parts of the world where it is abundant to where it is in demand.
LNG is odorless, colorless, non-corrosive and non-toxic. Its weight is less than one-half that of water.
The use of LNG is proven, reliable and safe.
Natural gas is a major source of energy in the U.S. According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA), about 25 percent of the energy used in the U.S. comes from natural gas. The major consumers of natural gas in the U.S. are: the electric power sector (31 percent), the industrial sector (27 percent), the residential sector (21 percent), the commercial sector (13 percent), and transportation & other (8 percent).

Liquefied natural gas (LNG) processing facility with storage tanks and industrial infrastructure

Is LNG safe?

LNG terminals worldwide have an exemplary safety record due to advanced technology, well-trained professionals, a thorough understanding of LNG risks, robust safety systems and procedures, and rigidly adhered-to standards, codes and regulations. No serious accidents involving an LNG import terminal have occurred in the U.S. in over 30 years. Transportation of LNG via ship has a long record of safe operation. In LNG’s more than 50-year shipping history, LNG ships have traveled more than 150 million miles without a major incident. There have been no collisions, fires, explosions or hull failures resulting in a loss of containment for LNG ships in ports or at sea. Only eight LNG incidents have occurred worldwide and none of those led to a loss of life or a breach of the vessels’ cargo-containment systems.