In January 1959, the world's first LNG tanker, the Methane Pioneer (a converted World War II Liberty freighter) carried LNG from Louisiana, U.S., to Canvey Island, United Kingdom. This voyage demonstrated that large quantities of LNG could be transported safely across the ocean. The Methane Pioneer subsequently carried seven additional LNG cargoes to Canvey Island.

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Today, LNG is transported in double-hulled ships that are specifically designed to handle the liquefied gas at -162 degrees Celsius at normal atmospheric pressures. These ships are designed with many safety features to ensure safe marine transportation of the LNG and safe discharge at the receiving terminal.