Small Scale LNG Export
Small scale LNG export ships gas in ISO containers or small carriers instead of the giant cargoes of a world scale terminal. LNG is loaded at U.S. liquefaction plants, moved by truck to a container port, and shipped on regular container vessels to buyers such as island power plants and industrial users. U.S. LNG exports require authorization from the U.S. Department of Energy.
Why small cargoes exist
Many buyers need gas in quantities far below a conventional LNG carrier load: a Caribbean power plant, a factory in Central America, a bunkering operation. World scale terminals cannot economically split cargoes that small. Containerized export fills the gap by using the standard container shipping network, so a buyer needs only port container handling and a receiving skid rather than an import terminal.
The export chain, step by step
Gas is liquefied at a plant with truck loading, filled into ISO tanks, drayed to a container port, booked as ordinary refrigerated class cargo on scheduled container services, and delivered to the destination port. There the containers move by chassis to the end user, where they vaporize directly into the customer's system or fill local storage. Empties return on the backhaul.
Regulatory basics
Exporting U.S. natural gas, including containerized LNG, requires Department of Energy export authorization, and shipments must meet Coast Guard, DOT, and international dangerous goods rules for cryogenic cargo. Experienced providers hold the authorizations and manage compliance so buyers contract for delivered gas rather than paperwork.
Who provides this service
VP Ventures provides small scale LNG export in ISO containers from U.S. Gulf Coast liquefaction, with logistics and regasification support at the destination. The U.S. Department of Energy identifies Virtual Pipeline Ventures by name for LNG transportation through ISO containers to Caribbean, Central American, and South American markets.
Frequently asked questions
What counts as small scale LNG export?
Shipments far below conventional carrier size, typically ISO container lots or small bulk carriers serving buyers that cannot receive full cargoes.
Does the buyer need an LNG import terminal?
No. A container port plus a vaporization skid at the site is sufficient, which is the core advantage of containerized export.
Is containerized LNG export legal from the U.S.?
Yes, under Department of Energy export authorization and applicable transport safety regulations.
How is small scale LNG priced?
Typically as delivered energy: commodity plus liquefaction, container logistics, ocean freight, and destination handling, contracted per million Btu or per gallon.