LNG – what is liquefied natural gas? Its importance in transport

Do you know what giant trucks travelling across Europe, ships transporting goods between continents and modern industrial plants have in common? Increasingly, it is LNG. Liquefied natural gas is taking other industries by storm, offering a real alternative to traditional fossil fuels such as diesel.

In an era of energy crisis, rising fuel prices and pressure to reduce carbon dioxide emissions, LNG – or Liquefied Natural Gas – is more than just a trendy acronym. It is a fuel that is changing the rules of the game in transport, including road transport.

But what exactly is this ‘liquefied natural gas’? Why is its use gaining so much importance so quickly? And is it really worth it? In this article, we break down LNG into its basic components – no fluff, just facts. Ready? Let’s get started.

What exactly is LNG?

LNG, or Liquefied Natural Gas, is nothing more than natural gas in liquid form. More precisely, it is methane that has been cooled to an extremely low temperature of around -162°C. At this temperature, the gas turns into a liquid and its volume decreases by up to 600 times. Sounds like magic? It’s actually applied physics in its purest form.

This process is called natural gas liquefaction and allows for much more convenient storage and transport, especially over long distances. Thanks to this, LNG can be transported to places where traditional pipelines do not reach, and then, at its destination, converted back into a gaseous state through a process called regasification.

Composition of LNG

Interestingly, the main component of natural gas is methane, but LNG may also contain propane, butane, ethane and nitrogen, as well as other components in trace amounts.

Importantly, LNG is colourless, odourless, non-toxic and non-corrosive.

Advantages of LNG (liquefied natural gas)

And although the technology may sound futuristic, LNG is no longer a novelty – it is a mature and proven energy source used by both countries and companies seeking diversification.

In practice, LNG makes it possible to become independent of a single supply route, such as gas delivered through traditional pipelines. This means greater fuel availability, better energy security and the ability to adapt to the needs of customers in different regions.

But that’s not all. LNG has many advantages, both financial and purely practical.

Ecology at a higher level

At a time when every industry is facing the need to reduce emissions, LNG is becoming a real game changer. The combustion of liquefied natural gas emits significantly less carbon dioxide than traditional fossil fuels such as diesel or heating oil. This means cleaner air and less impact on the environment.

However, it is not just about ‘being greener on paper’. LNG has a real impact on the quality of life in cities where transport pollution is one of the main problems. Lower emissions = less smog. And less smog means healthier people, simple maths.

That is why LNG is now considered one of the most promising energy sources for the sustainable transformation of road transport.

Long distances on a single tank

One of the biggest advantages of LNG is its high energy density. What does this mean in practice? Simply put, it allows you to cover much longer distances without having to refuel frequently. LNG trucks can travel up to 1,600 km on a single tank.

This is an excellent result, especially in long-distance transport.

Add to this the fact that LNG is stored in special cryogenic tanks that keep the fuel in a liquid state at the right pressure and temperature. This maximises energy condensation and optimises consumption.

High safety

At first glance, ‘high-pressure gas at extremely low temperatures’ may sound like a recipe for disaster. But paradoxically, LNG is one of the safest fuels in transport.

Firstly, liquefied natural gas is not explosive in its liquid state. In order for ignition to occur, it must first evaporate and mix with air in very precise proportions. What is more, LNG evaporates quickly and rises upwards, minimising the risk of flammable puddles or soil contamination.

Secondly, the entire logistics chain – from LNG stations, through tankers, to vehicle tanks – is designed with maximum safety in mind. Modern temperature and pressure control systems are used, and cryogenic tanks are resistant to shocks and damage.

It is not without reason that LNG is gaining the trust of transport companies that value reliability and safety in all road conditions.

Quieter transport

If you have ever had the opportunity to stand next to an LNG truck in operation, you have probably noticed one thing: it is surprisingly quiet. This is because engines powered by liquefied natural gas generate significantly less noise than their diesel counterparts.

In practice, this means that LNG transport is much less noisy – both for drivers and residents living near roads. Lower noise levels improve driving comfort, but also the health and well-being of people in cities and along transport routes.

In cities that are fighting noise as hard as they are fighting smog, quieter vehicles are becoming an argument for introducing LNG into municipal and distribution fleets.

Entry into Green Transport Zones

Cities across Europe are increasingly introducing Low Emission Zones (LEZ), which are only accessible to vehicles that meet strict exhaust and noise emission standards. This is where LNG enters the scene with a bang – or rather, silently.

Thanks to their low emissions of carbon dioxide, nitrogen oxides and particulate matter, vehicles powered by liquefied natural gas often qualify for special privileges: they can enter city centres, use designated lanes and avoid additional environmental charges.

For transport companies, this is not just a matter of ecology – it is also a real operational and financial advantage. LNG makes it possible to meet future standards today, which means fewer regulatory issues and more flexibility in route planning.

So if you care about sustainable but also flexible transport, LNG is your ticket to the world of modern logistics.

Przeczytaj również artykuł: Ultra Low Emission Zone i inne strefy niskiej emisji w Europie >>>

Wide application of LNG

LNG is no longer a niche fuel. On the contrary, its wide application means that it is increasingly being talked about as the fuel of the future, which is already here and now.

Liquefied natural gas is used in many sectors of the economy, from transport and industry to energy. Why? Because it combines efficiency, ecology and flexibility of supply.

Below, we take a look at the most important areas where LNG is making a difference.

Road transport

It is in road transport that LNG is currently gaining the most rapidly in importance. LNG-powered trucks are becoming increasingly visible on European roads, especially in international transport, where every kilometre counts.

Thanks to its large tank capacity, the ability to travel over 1,500 km on a single tank and lower operating costs, LNG is becoming a serious competitor to diesel. In addition, drivers appreciate the lower noise levels and lack of exhaust fumes, while fleet owners appreciate the availability of fuel and the growing number of LNG stations in Europe.

Read also: FTL (Full Truckload) transport – what is it and how does it work? >>>

Maritime transport

LNG is also making its presence felt on the seas and oceans. More and more modern vessels, from ferries to container ships, are being designed or converted to run on liquefied natural gas. Why?

Because LNG significantly reduces harmful emissions, which is crucial, especially in the context of global environmental regulations introduced by the International Maritime Organisation (IMO). Thanks to LNG, ships meet stringent standards without the need for expensive exhaust gas cleaning systems.

Read also: What is maritime transport? Advantages and disadvantages of sea freight >>>

Rail transport

Although still a novelty, LNG-powered rail transport is becoming a viable alternative for non-electrified lines.

LNG in rail transport is a response to the need for more sustainable freight transport, especially in regions where railway infrastructure modernisation is slow or unprofitable.

Read also: Rail transport from China – advantages, disadvantages and characteristics >>>

Industry

In the industrial sector, LNG plays a role not only as a fuel but also as a source of technological energy. It is used, among other things, in production plants located far from the gas transmission network as an alternative to fuel oil or LPG.

It is particularly well suited to industries that require a stable, high-efficiency heat source, such as oil refining and the production of building materials. LNG not only ensures cleaner combustion, but also greater control over energy costs, which is of great importance in times of price volatility.

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How is LNG transported? The LNG journey to the end customer.

LNG transport and delivery is a precisely planned process that begins at the liquefaction terminal and ends… where it is needed – at an industrial plant, LNG refuelling station or in a truck tank.

The gas undergoes a liquefaction process and is then transferred to special cryogenic tanks that maintain a temperature of -162°C and the appropriate pressure. The LNG is then transported by road tankers, rail tankers or ships, depending on the distance and requirements.

At its destination, it undergoes a process of regasification, i.e. it returns to a gaseous state, or is used in its liquid phase, e.g. as a transport fuel.

The flexibility of this logistics means that LNG can reach places where traditional pipelines cannot.

How to reduce road transport costs?

LNG itself is just the beginning. If you really want to get the most out of every route, good logistics is key. And that starts with data.

HOGS is a tool that allows you to analyse, plan and optimise LNG vehicle routes in real time. With the HOGS Maps module, you can optimise road tolls and fuel costs, as well as identify profits and savings in other areas of road transport.

Create a free trial account and see how you can get more out of every transport 👉 https://hogs.live/products/hogs-maps-en/

Summary

LNG, or liquefied natural gas, is not a passing trend, but a technology that is truly changing the face of transport and industry and ensuring diversification of fuel supplies.

What’s more, liquefied natural gas is cleaner, cheaper, quieter and… simply more cost-effective. Thanks to LNG, companies can not only reduce emissions and meet strict environmental standards, but also significantly lower their operating costs.

The use of LNG is growing in strength – on roads, railways, waterways and in industrial halls. And everything indicates that this is just the beginning.

If you want to operate in a modern, environmentally friendly and efficient way, LNG is a step towards the future that you can take today.

Frequently asked questions (FAQ) about liquefied natural gas (LNG)

Are LNG and CNG the same thing?

No. LNG and CNG are two different ways of storing and transporting natural gas.

• LNG (Liquefied Natural Gas) is gas in liquid form, cooled to approx. -162°C.
• CNG (Compressed Natural Gas) is gas compressed to high pressure but still in a gaseous state.

LNG has a higher energy density and is better suited for long distances. That is why LNG is most often used for long road, rail or sea transport. CNG is more commonly used in local transport or public transport.

Is LNG the same as LPG?

No, and this is very important.

• LNG is liquefied natural gas, whose main component is methane.
• LPG (Liquefied Petroleum Gas) is a mixture of propane and butane, usually produced as a by-product of oil extraction or refining.

Although both fuels are stored in liquid form, they have different physical properties and different applications.