How much natural-gas does the world consume? Since the early 1970's, natural-gas production has increased by more than 120 percent. In 2002, gas accounted for 21.2 percent of the world's total energy supplies, a five percentage-point increase since 1973, according to the International Energy Agency. Projections from America's Energy Information Administration (EIA) suggest that it is set to become an even more important component of world energy supplies. By 2025, world consumption of gas could top 151 trillion cubic feet, 25 percent of the world's total energy consumption. (Text courtesy of The Economist: February 28, 2005)

How fast is LNG growing? Currently some 95 percent of the gas the world consumes is delivered by pipeline. But some consuming countries, such as America, are fast depleting those gas reserves that can easily be reached by pipe. Big, new gas fields are being discovered all the time - but are often separated from the big consuming countries by oceans, or by highly unstable regions. LNG is the answer to this, providing it can be made cost-effective. At present, only 1 percent of the gas America uses arrives in the form of LNG. The EIA cautiously estimates that this could rise to about 3 percent by 2020. Others in the industry are far more optimistic, saying LNG could account for as much as 20 percent of American gas consumption within 20 years. (Text courtesy of The Economist: February 28, 2005)

Who are the major LNG exporters? The five largest exporting countries are Indonesia, Algeria, Malaysia, Qatar and Nigeria.

Who are the major LNG exporters to the U.S.? The six largest exporters to the U.S. are Trinidad and Tobago, Algeria, Malaysia, Nigeria, Oman and Qatar. Overwhelmingly, Trinidad and Tobago is the major importer into U.S. markets, accounting for more than 75 percent of total cargoes in 2003.

How is LNG shipped? LNG is transported in double-hulled ships designed to accomodate LNG's low temperature. The vessels are insulated to reduce the amount of boil off. In the current fleet of LNG vessels, carriers are as large as 298 meters and can require water depths up to 13.5 meters.

How is LNG stored? LNG is stored in insulated tanks built specifically to hold LNG. These storage tanks can be built above or below ground and keep the liquid at a low temperature. The boil-off gas can be collected and used as a fuel source in the facility or on the tanker transporting it. (Text courtesy of Califronia Energy Commission)