Liquefied natural gas (LNG) offers negligible NO_x and SO_x emissions as well as reductions in CO₂ compared with other liquid hydrocarbons. LNG is a significant player in the global energy mix, with a projection of 40% increase in demand for the next two decades. It is anticipated that the expected rise in demand will cause the fleet of LNG carriers (LNGC) to expand. This work concentrates on steam-powered LNGC, which accounted for 47% of the LNGC fleet in 2018. It performs an empirical analysis of continuous monitoring data that provide high levels of accuracy and transparency. The analysis is done on data collected from 40 LNGCs for over a year to estimate the fleet's operational profile, fuel mix and energy performance. The findings of this work are relevant for bottom-up analysis and simulation models that depend on technical assumptions, but also for emission studies such as the upcoming Fourth International Maritime Organization Greenhouse Gases study.

This research establishes an extensive set of algorithms for the precise evaluation of fuel consumption across a range of engine types and systems onboard LNG carriers (LNGCs). The principal objective of this research is the development of a modern, universally applicable, and refined methodology tailored to LNGCs. This methodology encompasses the comprehensive calculation of both fuel consumption and atmospheric emissions, accommodating the variability in engine configurations. Furthermore, the integration of empirical data derived from 73 operational LNGCs yields a meticulously crafted operational profile. This consequential outcome of our study carries significant implications for addressing forthcoming modeling complexities specific to LNGCs.

This research establishes an extensive set of algorithms for the precise evaluation of fuel consumption across a range of engine types and systems onboard LNG carriers (LNGCs). The principal objective of this research is the development of a modern, universally applicable, and refined methodology tailored to LNGCs. This methodology encompasses the comprehensive calculation of both fuel consumption and atmospheric emissions, accommodating the variability in engine configurations. Furthermore, the integration of empirical data derived from 73 operational LNGCs yields a meticulously crafted operational profile. This consequential outcome of our study carries significant implications for addressing forthcoming modelling complexities specific to LNGCs.