Shell's 2026 LNG Outlook report indicates a substantial surge in demand for liquefied natural gas (LNG) as a marine fuel. The energy major projects that LNG bunkering demand will reach 27 million tonnes annually by 2035, representing a seven-fold increase from current levels. This figure is expected to climb further to 45 million tonnes by 2045.
This forecast builds on a decade of growth, as Shell's reports since 2016 have tracked the expansion of LNG infrastructure and adoption. Over the last ten years, the number of global LNG bunkering locations has expanded from just 10 to 222. Concurrently, the fleet of LNG-fueled ships, excluding LNG carriers themselves, has grown from 81 to 877 vessels.
For freight forwarders and logistics professionals, this trend suggests a growing availability of vessels utilizing alternative fuels, which could impact routing decisions and carrier selection, particularly for shippers focused on sustainability goals. Increased adoption of LNG-fueled vessels may also contribute to a more stable and potentially lower-emission supply chain, although the availability and pricing of LNG bunker fuel will remain key factors. Forwarders should monitor the expansion of LNG bunkering infrastructure in major ports to assess potential operational advantages and constraints.
