Brokerage & Commodities

Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG): Technical Data Sheet & Sourcing

Access international Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) specifications and facilitate matchmaking between liquefiers, global traders, and LNG terminal operators for your Spot transactions or long-term supply contracts.

  • Contract Types

    Spot Orders, Long-Term SPA & DES/FOB Contracts

  • Standard Quality

    Methane (C1) > 88% - 95% / Temperature -162°C

  • Main Hubs

    United States, Qatar, Australia, Algeria, Norway

Definition & Standard

What is Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG)?

The Liquefied Natural Gas (Liquefied Natural Gas / LNG) is purified natural gas (composed mainly of methane) condensed into a liquid state by cooling to around -162°C at atmospheric pressure. This process reduces its volume by a factor of approximately 600, allowing safe long-distance maritime transport.

In global markets, LNG is valued based on its calorific value (Lean LNG or Rich LNG) and regional benchmark quotes such as TTF (Europe), JKM (Asia), or Henry Hub (United States).

Standard Specifications (Standard LNG)
Methane Content (C1)85.0% to 95.0% Min.
Ethane, Propane, Butane (C2+)5.0% to 12.0% Max.
Gross Calorific Value (GCV)38.0 to 42.0 MJ/Nm³ (1,020 - 1,130 BTU/scf)
Storage Temperature-161.5°C to -162.0°C
Density (Liquid Phase)430 to 470 kg/m³
Nitrogen Content (N2)1.0% Max.
Global Market

Major Exporters & LNG Terminals

The global LNG market relies on giant liquefaction plants and a connected network of regasification terminals:

  • United States (US Gulf Coast): World's leading exporter thanks to flexible liquefaction terminals (Sabine Pass, Freeport, Corpus Christi) indexed to Henry Hub.
  • Qatar (Ras Laffan): Essential player in LNG with production costs among the lowest in the world and a dedicated fleet of Q-Flex / Q-Max carriers.
  • Australia (North West Shelf, Curtis Island): Major supplier preferentially serving Asian markets (Japan, South Korea, China).
  • Atlantic Basin & Mediterranean (Algeria, Norway, Nigeria): Strategic producers feeding European onshore terminals and FSRUs (Floating Storage Regasification Units).
Procedures & Logistics

LNG Carrier Shipping, Regasification & Structuring

The LNG value chain requires high-tech cryogenic equipment and rigorous contractual mechanisms:

Contracts & Indexation

Spot transactions or SPA contracts (Sales and Purchase Agreement) indexed to TTF, JKM, Henry Hub, or Brent/Oil slope.

Cryogenic Transport

Shipping by membrane-insulated LNG carriers (140,000 to 265,000 m³) with optimized Boil-Off Gas (BOG) management.

Inspection & Incoterms

Sampling and energy measurement (MMBtu) at terminals by independent bodies. Sales mostly operated under DES (Delivered Ex-Ship) or FOB.

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