History Series - Methane Pioneer - The First Intercontinental LNG Carrier
Channel: Offshore, Maritime and Energy
Date: 2023-05-20

The Methane Pioneer was the world's first converted LNG (Liquefied Natural Gas) carrier, which marked a significant milestone in the history of the global LNG industry. It was commissioned in 1959 and played a pivotal role in the initial stages of the LNG trade.

Specifications:
Length: 102 meters (335 feet)
Beam: 15.8 meters (52 feet)
Draft: 6.1 meters (20 feet)
Gross Tonnage: 5,150 GT
Cargo Capacity: Approximately 5,000 LNG cubic meters 
Storage : 5 Aluminium tanks with Balsa tank insulation
Propulsion: Diesel engine with a single screw propeller

The Methane Pioneer was initially owned and operated by a consortium led by Conch International Methane Ltd. (CIM), a subsidiary of the ConocoPhillips Company, and the British Gas Council (later known as British Gas Corporation). It was built by the Alabama Drydock and Ship Building Co.

In 1959, the Methane Pioneer successfully completed its first transatlantic voyage, transporting LNG from Lake Charles, Louisiana, USA to Canvey Island, United Kingdom. This breakthrough voyage demonstrated the technical feasibility and commercial potential of LNG transportation by sea, paving the way for the modern LNG industry. The Methane Pioneer was eventually retired in the 1970s and scrapped in 1972.

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