LNG is back – but performance is the key differentiator

Author: Daniele Casartelli, Head of Business Area Fuel Supply System, Marine Solutions, Alfa Laval.

For shipowners, the priority is not just fuel choice but how reliably that fuel can be used. Ensuring stable operation, high efficiency and minimal downtime is what defines real value – and that's exactly where we focus.” – Daniele Casartelli

LNG returns as a practical choice

A few years ago, the conversation around marine fuels was dominated by what comes next. Today, shipowners are once again committing to LNG at pace. In early 2026, approximately 80% of dual-fuel Newbuilds vessels ordered are designed to utilize LNG as alternative fuel.

While fuels such as methanol and ammonia are advancing, they still face clear challenges at scale. Methanol supply chains are not yet fully mature, while ammonia technology is not yet widely perceived as mature. LNG, by contrast, offers an immediate pathway to emissions reduction, not because it is perfect but because it is proven and supported by an established global infrastructure.

The strongest uptake is for container ships requiring significant power on set long-haul routes. This makes it easier to justify the investment and to plan bunkering. Ferries and Ro-Ro vessels, particularly in Northern Europe, also present a strong case due to good LNG availability.

LNG is less suited to smaller vessels or those operating in volatile spot markets, where trading patterns are uncertain and access to bunkering can be a challenge.

Regulation, uncertainty and a known solution

LNG has generally been seen as a lower-emissions option compared to conventional fuels, which can translate into lower penalties under evolving regulatory frameworks. At the same time, delays in adopting the IMO’s Net Zero framework have introduced uncertainty into long-term planning.

In this environment, LNG benefits from being a known quantity technically, operationally and at scale. While it may not be a permanent solution, it is a reliable one in the near to medium term.

It is worth remembering that LNG itself was once viewed with caution. Concerns around cryogenic temperatures and flammability were gradually addressed through robust system design. This shift from perception to proven safety reflects a broader pattern: as fuels mature, and as regulatory and operational experience develop, confidence follows – shaping the wider energy transition.

Methane emissions and system performance

Looking ahead, methane emissions will be a defining factor for LNG. Regulation is tightening, and vessels built today must remain compliant over lifetimes of 25 to 35 years. This places greater emphasis on how systems perform over time, and engine makers are working continuously to reduce methane and strengthen LNG’s emissions profile.

However, engine performance alone does not determine overall efficiency – it depends on how the entire fuel system operates. At the centre of LNG operations is the fuel supply system, which ensures the engine receives fuel at the correct pressure, temperature and flow. If this is not maintained, combustion becomes unstable and in the worst case the vessel may need to switch back to conventional fuel. In other words, if the fuel supply system does not perform reliably, the environmental benefits of LNG are quickly lost.

Reliability, efficiency and effective BOG management were therefore the key priorities when developing FCM LNG. The result is a fully integrated, automated system designed to ensure stable high-pressure fuel delivery, maximizing uptime and ensuring LNG can be used as intended.

There has also been a shift in focus from upfront costs to lifecycle value. Shipowners are increasingly prioritizing long-term performance and equipment resilience. Here, Alfa Laval builds on more than 50 years' presence in gas-handling applications – supplying critical technologies like boilers and heat exchangers for cargo handling systems and BOG management on LNG carriers.

The acquisition of advanced cryogenic technology from Fives Group further strengthened our position, complementing our in-house heat transfer portfolio. This enables greater control over system design and optimization and supports a more holistic view of LNG applications onboard.

A system-level approach

FCM LNG is designed as a complete fuel supply system but its value is amplified when integrated with the wider system onboard. LNG operations depend on multiple systems working together, including fuel supply systems, boilers and heat exchangers.

For example, Alfa Laval’s Aalborg LNG‑fired boiler offers dual‑operation functionality. In addition to its primary role of steam generation, it supports comprehensive BOG management, including full free‑flow capability, gassing‑up and gas‑free operations in accordance with regulatory requirements. This capability to safely utilize excess gas enables effective tank pressure control, ensures operational continuity and helps minimize methane slip.

Managing these equipment interactions effectively creates a more stable and efficient onboard system. This reflects a broader industry shift, as shipowners move away from fragmented supply chains towards integrated solutions delivered by experienced suppliers who can reduce risk.

Operational optimization is also becoming increasingly important. Digital tools such as StormGeo support more informed, data-driven decision-making around routing, fuel consumption and bunkering strategies. This has a direct impact on cost, efficiency and emissions, strengthening LNG’s value within the overall operational strategy.

Competing on performance, not price

In a competitive market, differentiation is not about lowest cost.

While shipyards often drive procurement decisions, shipowners ultimately define long-term requirements. In this context, the ability to deliver integrated solutions supported by a global service network becomes a clear advantage – reducing complexity and providing a single point of contact.

This is where Alfa Laval is positioned – not competing on price alone, but on performance, reliability and long-term partnership. This is part of our broader, fuel-agnostic approach, ensuring customers are supported regardless of how the fuel landscape evolves.

LNG in the wider transition

LNG is sometimes criticized as a fossil fuel that risks delaying the energy transition. However, this view overlooks its role as part of a broader pathway. Renewable options such as bio-LNG and synthetic natural gas (SNG) are already emerging, which can be supported by existing LNG infrastructure. Systems such as FCM LNG are designed taking into consideration these alternatives, ensuring that investments made today will remain relevant even as the fuel landscape evolves.

The LNG market continues to evolve, with increasing demand for reliable, integrated solutions. Within this context, FCM LNG represents a clear direction: combining proven technology with system-level thinking to deliver performance where it matters most. At the same time, Alfa Laval continues to explore future LNG-related innovations, including carbon capture, to further reduce emissions and extend LNG’s role in the energy transition.

For me, this journey is also a personal one. As a mechanical engineer, I have spent my career at Alfa Laval working on fuel supply systems across R&D, product management and now business area management. What I tremendously enjoy is the combination of engineering depth and real-world impact: turning technical complexity into solutions that work reliably at sea – and that's what matters most to our customers.