Small-scale LNG Market Size & Share Analysis - Growth Trends & Forecasts (2025 - 2030)

The Small-Scale LNG Market Report is Segmented by Type (Liquefaction Terminal and Regasification Terminal), Mode of Supply (Truck, Transshipment and Bunkering, Pipeline and Rail, and ISO Container), Application (Transportation, Power Generation, and Others), End-User (Utilities and IPPs, Oil and Gas Upstream Operators, and Others), and Geography (North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, South America, and Middle East and Africa).

Small-scale LNG Market Size and Share

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Small-scale LNG Market Analysis by Mordor Intelligence

The Small-scale LNG Market size is estimated at USD 11.80 billion in 2025, and is expected to reach USD 19.34 billion by 2030, at a CAGR of 10.39% during the forecast period (2025-2030).

Demand is propelled by industrial and remote communities that are switching from oil and diesel to natural gas, while developers monetize stranded gas and deploy prefabricated plants that shorten construction schedules. Liquefaction technologies optimized for capacities below 1 MTPA, the widening use of LNG in heavy-duty transport, and regulatory incentives in major economies underpin robust capital formation. Competition is intensifying as global energy majors and agile specialists race to secure prime assets, form strategic alliances, and embed proprietary technology platforms across the value chain. Heightened geopolitical uncertainty and the pivot to short-term contracting have raised spot-price volatility, yet continued LNG adoption across power, marine, and trucking segments points to sustained growth opportunities.

Key Report Takeaways

  • By type, liquefaction terminals captured 62.5% of the small-scale LNG market share in 2024, while FSRUs are forecast to expand at a 14% CAGR to 2030.
  • By mode of supply, truck distribution led with 52.5% of the small-scale LNG market size in 2024; bunkering is projected to rise at a 14.5% CAGR through 2030.
  • By application, transportation accounted for 42.5% of the small-scale LNG market size in 2024 and power generation is advancing at a 14% CAGR to 2030.
  • By end-user, utilities and IPPs held 37.5% of the small-scale LNG market share in 2024, whereas the commercial and municipal segment records the highest projected CAGR at 15% through 2030.
  • By geography, Asia-Pacific led with 47.5% revenue share in 2024 and maintains the fastest growth trajectory at 16% CAGR through 2030.

Segment Analysis

By Type: Liquefaction Terminals Lead While FSRUs Gain Momentum

Liquefaction terminals generated 62.5% of 2024 revenue, reflecting their pivotal role in gas monetization where pipelines are absent. This portion of the small-scale LNG market size is supported by simplified SMR process trains that balance capital cost and energy efficiency. Developers in the United States alone plan to lift combined micro-LNG capacity to 2.3 million gallons per day. The small-scale LNG market share held by liquefaction facilities is expected to decline slightly as regasification assets grow faster, yet absolute throughput will rise given new off-grid demand from mines and rural utilities.

A parallel wave of floating storage and regasification units is reshaping import options for emerging buyers. FSRUs require USD 300 million and 1–3 years to commission, far below onshore alternatives, and are forecast to post a 14% CAGR through 2030. Innovations such as shallow-draft hulls and articulated tug barges allow access to rivers and near-shore anchorages once deemed unreachable. Developers pair these units with power barges or modular combined-cycle plants, unlocking incremental offtake in Africa, South Asia, and the Caribbean.

By Mode of Supply: Truck Distribution Dominates While Bunkering Accelerates

Road-based delivery held 52.5% of 2024 revenue thanks to its ability to reach sites beyond pipeline grids. Stabilis Solutions alone has moved more than 420 million gallons via 43,000 truckloads, demonstrating the resilience of this “virtual pipeline” model. Cost competitiveness stems from modular cryogenic pumps, standard ISO-tank interfaces, and GPS-linked fleet scheduling tools that optimize turnaround times.

Bunkering exhibits the sharpest growth at a 14.5% CAGR, propelled by low-sulphur marine rules that favor LNG-dual-fuel ships. LNG is now available in 198 ports, and the bunker fleet stands at 56 specialized vessels—both numbers are poised to multiply as more than 1,200 LNG-capable ships could sail by 2028.[3]SEA-LNG, “LNG Bunkering Infrastructure Update 2024,” sea-lng.org Supply chains increasingly blend truck-to-ship, ship-to-ship, and pipeline-to-ship delivery methods to match port layouts and vessel schedules.

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Note: Segment shares of all individual segments available upon report purchase

By Application: Transportation Leads While Power Generation Surges

Transportation absorbed 42.5% of spending in 2024 as maritime and long-haul trucking users prioritize compliance and operational savings. LNG consumption in ocean shipping rose 28–29% between 2012 and 2018, and 51% of all new vessel orders in 2022 were dual-fuel capable.[4]Ocean Conservancy, “LNG Use Trends in International Shipping,” oceanconservancy.org On land, fleet owners cite driving ranges up to 1,000 km and reduced emissions as primary purchase criteria, consolidating the transport footprint within the small-scale LNG market.

Power generation is growing fastest at 14% CAGR because modular gas turbines combine short construction lead times with dispatchable output suitable for intermittent renewables back-up. Islanded grids in Central America, the Caribbean, and parts of Southeast Asia anchor their procurement on flexibility and cost parity versus diesel. Data-center developers add a fresh demand pool as they seek reliable, lower-carbon fuel for peaking engines that shield critical servers from grid instability.

By End-User: Utilities & IPPs Dominate While Commercial & Municipal Sectors Expand Rapidly

Utilities and independent power producers claimed 37.5% of sales in 2024, channeling LNG into combined-cycle and reciprocating engine plants that displace legacy oil units. Jamaica plans 360 MW of new LNG capacity to diversify its fuel mix and relieve consumers of high tariff volatility, mirroring projects across African micro-grids.

Municipal and commercial users record the quickest expansion at 15% CAGR through 2030. City-gas franchisers deploy cryogenic ISO-tank trailers and small regas skids to serve apartment clusters, hospitals, and small factories. Municipal bus networks and district heating systems also join the roster as they qualify for national clean-energy subsidies. In parallel, upstream operators monetize associated gas through on-site liquefaction and portable storage, capturing value from gas that would otherwise be flared.

Small-scale LNG Market: Market Share by End-Users
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Note: Segment shares of all individual segments available upon report purchase

Geography Analysis

Asia-Pacific generated 47.5% of global revenue in 2024 and is forecast to maintain the highest 16% CAGR through 2030. Regional import capacity rose from 15.27 mtpa in 2022 to an expected 23 mtpa by 2025. China remains the linchpin, importing 78.64 MT of LNG in 2024, while aggressively rolling out “Blue Corridor” refueling nodes. Indonesia corroborates the model by demonstrating that small-scale LNG can undercut high-speed diesel by up to 60%, opening avenues for hundreds of island grids.

Europe accounted for roughly 25% of market value, driven by stringent carbon rules and diversification from Russian gas. The continent hosts 28 large-scale import terminals and 8 small-scale facilities totaling 227 bcm of regas capacity, equivalent to 40% of 2024 demand. The Nordic cluster deploys the most advanced environmental tendering in maritime transport, and ports such as Rotterdam, Zeebrugge, and Klaipėda anchor regional bunkering networks. The EU’s share of LNG in overall gas supply has more than doubled since 2021, translating into stable base-load for flexible mobile terminals.

North America contributed roughly 20% of revenue, with the United States as the technology leader and largest exporter. US LNG export capacity has tripled since 2018 and will nearly double again by 2030 on sanctioned projects. The local small-scale LNG market climbed from 499 million gallons in 2018 toward 1.9 billion gallons by 2030, propelled by shale gas abundance, tax credits, and accelerating adoption of LNG as truck and rail fuel. Canadian and Mexican developers also explore modular plants to connect remote mines and industrial parks.

The remainder of demand is split among Latin America, the Middle East, and Africa. Latin America’s growth centers on Brazil, Chile, and the Dominican Republic, where floating import solutions allow fast ramp-up of LNG-to-power projects. The Middle East uses small-scale LNG mainly for remote oilfield operations and island tourism complexes, leveraging abundant gas feedstock. Africa remains the least penetrated region, constrained by logistics gaps, yet Nigeria and Mozambique present sizable upside if transport bottlenecks ease.

Small-scale LNG Market CAGR (%), Growth Rate by Region
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Competitive Landscape

The small-scale LNG market features a moderately fragmented profile where no single firm controls more than one-fifth of total revenues. Integrated majors such as Shell, TotalEnergies, and Linde exploit global portfolios and balance sheets to bundle feed gas, liquefaction, transportation, and regasification services. At the same time, niche technology houses—including Chart Industries, Wärtsilä, and Galileo Technologies—specialize in compact cold boxes, boil-off reliquefiers, and skid-mounted process modules that suit remote deployments.

Strategic partnerships are proliferating. Venture Global champions a factory-fabricated, mid-scale liquefaction design that shortens build times and lowers capital intensity; it has secured firm regas slots at Europe’s largest import terminal, reinforcing downstream integration. Woodside Energy green-lit the 16.5 MTPA Louisiana LNG project, targeting first gas by 2029 and positioning its portfolio at 24 MTPA by the 2030s.

Technological disruption is widening the competitive moat for early adopters. Single mixed-refrigerant cycles paired with compander units reduce total energy draw, trim CO₂ intensity, and fit within 40-foot container footprints. Small shallow-draft LNG carriers open previously land-locked river systems, while digital twins optimize fuel routing, slashing demurrage. These innovations give specialist entrants an edge in cost-sensitive emerging markets, challenging legacy utility models.

Regional operators round out the field. Stabilis Solutions leads US truck-delivered LNG; Avenir LNG and AG&P deploy small carriers and city-gas terminals in Asia and the Caribbean. Competitive intensity is highest in Asia-Pacific where resource owners, ship-builders, and equipment vendors converge to capture first-mover advantages, yet the pipeline of projects spreads risk and sustains healthy margins.

Small-scale LNG Industry Leaders

  1. Shell plc

  2. Linde plc

  3. Wartsila Oyj Abp

  4. TotalEnergies SE

  5. New Fortress Energy LLC

  6. *Disclaimer: Major Players sorted in no particular order
Small-scale LNG Market
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Recent Industry Developments

  • May 2025: Woodside Energy approved the Louisiana LNG development, a three-train, 16.5 MTPA project with a total capital outlay of USD 17.5 billion, targeting first cargoes in 2029 and annual net operating cash of USD 2 billion in the 2030s.
  • April 2025: Venture Global filed for an IPO to fund five Louisiana liquefaction and export projects totaling 143.8 MTPA and disclosed 39.25 MTPA of post-COD sales agreements, plus firm regas capacity in Europe.
  • March 2025: New Fortress Energy chartered an FSRU for the Dominican Republic, reinforcing the hub-and-spoke delivery model across Caribbean LNG-to-power markets.
  • January 2025: UECC added the Blue Aspire dual-fuel LNG car carrier to its fleet, bringing its LNG-powered vessels to five and cutting emissions 25% versus conventional ships.

Table of Contents for Small-scale LNG Industry Report

1. Introduction

  • 1.1 Study Assumptions & Market Definition
  • 1.2 Scope of the Study

2. Research Methodology

3. Executive Summary

4. Market Landscape

  • 4.1 Market Overview
  • 4.2 Market Drivers
    • 4.2.1 Tightening IMO & FuelEU Maritime Sulphur Caps Accelerating Marine LNG Bunkering Adoption (Europe)
    • 4.2.2 Rapid Build-out of Modular Liquefaction Plants for Remote Mining & Off-Grid Power (Asia-Pacific)
    • 4.2.3 Heavy-Duty Truck Fleet Shift to LNG in China's "Blue Corridor" Program
    • 4.2.4 Caribbean & Central-American Micro-grid Conversions to LNG-to-Power
    • 4.2.5 Tax Incentives for Small-Scale LNG Equipment under US Inflation Reduction Act
    • 4.2.6 Nordic LNG Bus & Ferry Subsidy Schemes Driving Demand for Bunkering
  • 4.3 Market Restraints
    • 4.3.1 Sparse ISO-Tank Back-haul Logistics in Sub-Saharan Africa
    • 4.3.2 High Boil-Off & Re-liquefaction Costs Below 0.05 MTPA Plants
    • 4.3.3 Fragmented Permitting Framework for Mobile Liquefiers in Brazil
    • 4.3.4 Russia-Ukraine Conflict Raising Geopolitical Risk Premium on Spot LNG
  • 4.4 Supply-Chain Analysis
  • 4.5 Regulatory Outlook
  • 4.6 Technological Outlook
  • 4.7 Porter's Five Forces
    • 4.7.1 Bargaining Power of Suppliers
    • 4.7.2 Bargaining Power of Buyers
    • 4.7.3 Threat of New Entrants
    • 4.7.4 Threat of Substitutes
    • 4.7.5 Intensity of Competitive Rivalry

5. Market Size & Growth Forecasts

  • 5.1 By Type
    • 5.1.1 Liquefaction Terminal (Micro, Mini, and Small)
    • 5.1.2 Regasification Terminal (Onshore and Offshore FSRU)
  • 5.2 By Mode of Supply
    • 5.2.1 Truck
    • 5.2.2 Pipeline and Rail
    • 5.2.3 Transshipment and Bunkering (Ship-to-ship and Shore-to-ship)
    • 5.2.4 ISO Container
  • 5.3 By Application
    • 5.3.1 Transportation (Road and Marine Bunkering)
    • 5.3.2 Industrial Feedstock
    • 5.3.3 Power Generation
    • 5.3.4 Other Applications
  • 5.4 By End-User
    • 5.4.1 Utilities and Independent Power Producers (IPPs)
    • 5.4.2 Oil nd Gas Upstream Operators
    • 5.4.3 Manufacturing Industries
    • 5.4.4 Commercial and Municipal
  • 5.5 By Geography
    • 5.5.1 North America
    • 5.5.1.1 United States
    • 5.5.1.2 Canada
    • 5.5.1.3 Mexico
    • 5.5.2 Europe
    • 5.5.2.1 United Kingdom
    • 5.5.2.2 Germany
    • 5.5.2.3 France
    • 5.5.2.4 Spain
    • 5.5.2.5 Nordic Countries
    • 5.5.2.6 Russia
    • 5.5.2.7 Rest of Europe
    • 5.5.3 Asia-Pacific
    • 5.5.3.1 China
    • 5.5.3.2 India
    • 5.5.3.3 Japan
    • 5.5.3.4 South Korea
    • 5.5.3.5 Malaysia
    • 5.5.3.6 Thailand
    • 5.5.3.7 Indonesia
    • 5.5.3.8 Vietnam
    • 5.5.3.9 Australia
    • 5.5.3.10 Rest of Asia-Pacific
    • 5.5.4 South America
    • 5.5.4.1 Brazil
    • 5.5.4.2 Argentina
    • 5.5.4.3 Colombia
    • 5.5.4.4 Rest of South America
    • 5.5.5 Middle East and Africa
    • 5.5.5.1 United Arab Emirates
    • 5.5.5.2 Saudi Arabia
    • 5.5.5.3 Qatar
    • 5.5.5.4 Egypt
    • 5.5.5.5 South Africa
    • 5.5.5.6 Rest of Middle East and Africa

6. Competitive Landscape

  • 6.1 Market Concentration
  • 6.2 Strategic Moves (M&A, Partnerships, PPAs)
  • 6.3 Market Share Analysis (Market Rank/Share for key companies)
  • 6.4 Company Profiles (includes Global level Overview, Market level overview, Core Segments, Financials as available, Strategic Information, Products & Services, and Recent Developments)
    • 6.4.1 Linde plc
    • 6.4.2 Wartsila Oyj Abp
    • 6.4.3 Baker Hughes Co.
    • 6.4.4 Honeywell UOP
    • 6.4.5 Chart Industries Inc.
    • 6.4.6 Black & Veatch
    • 6.4.7 New Fortress Energy LLC
    • 6.4.8 Shell plc
    • 6.4.9 TotalEnergies SE
    • 6.4.10 Eni SpA
    • 6.4.11 PJSC Gazprom
    • 6.4.12 Novatek PJSC
    • 6.4.13 Gasum Oy
    • 6.4.14 Engie SA
    • 6.4.15 Anthony Veder Group NV
    • 6.4.16 Stolt-Nielsen Gas Ltd
    • 6.4.17 Eagle LNG Partners
    • 6.4.18 Guanghui Energy Co.
    • 6.4.19 Equinor ASA
    • 6.4.20 Pavilion Energy Pte Ltd

7. Market Opportunities & Future Outlook

  • 7.1 White-Space & Unmet-Need Assessment
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Global Small-scale LNG Market Report Scope

Small-scale LNG (SSLNG) is defined as the liquefaction, regasification, and import terminals at plants with a capacity of less than 1 MTPA, according to the International Gas Union (IGU), and with applications in power generation, transportation, industrial feedstock, and other applications. SSLNG carriers are vessels with an LNG storage capacity of less than 30,000 cubic meters (m³) for transportation. The typical range of SSLNG storage capacity is between 500 m³ and 5,000 m³. Other elements of SSLNG include LNG bunkering facilities for LNG-fueled vessels, LNG satellite stations, and infrastructure to supply LNG as fuel for road vehicles.

The small-scale LNG market is segmented by type, mode of supply, application, and geography. By type, the market is segmented into liquefaction terminals and regasification terminals. By mode of supply, the market is segmented into truck, transshipment and bunkering, and pipeline and rail. By application, the market is segmented into transportation, industrial feedstock, power generation, and other applications. The report also covers the market size and forecasts for the small-scale LNG market across major regions. For each segment, the market sizing and forecasts were made based on revenue (USD).

By Type Liquefaction Terminal (Micro, Mini, and Small)
Regasification Terminal (Onshore and Offshore FSRU)
By Mode of Supply Truck
Pipeline and Rail
Transshipment and Bunkering (Ship-to-ship and Shore-to-ship)
ISO Container
By Application Transportation (Road and Marine Bunkering)
Industrial Feedstock
Power Generation
Other Applications
By End-User Utilities and Independent Power Producers (IPPs)
Oil nd Gas Upstream Operators
Manufacturing Industries
Commercial and Municipal
By Geography North America United States
Canada
Mexico
Europe United Kingdom
Germany
France
Spain
Nordic Countries
Russia
Rest of Europe
Asia-Pacific China
India
Japan
South Korea
Malaysia
Thailand
Indonesia
Vietnam
Australia
Rest of Asia-Pacific
South America Brazil
Argentina
Colombia
Rest of South America
Middle East and Africa United Arab Emirates
Saudi Arabia
Qatar
Egypt
South Africa
Rest of Middle East and Africa
By Type
Liquefaction Terminal (Micro, Mini, and Small)
Regasification Terminal (Onshore and Offshore FSRU)
By Mode of Supply
Truck
Pipeline and Rail
Transshipment and Bunkering (Ship-to-ship and Shore-to-ship)
ISO Container
By Application
Transportation (Road and Marine Bunkering)
Industrial Feedstock
Power Generation
Other Applications
By End-User
Utilities and Independent Power Producers (IPPs)
Oil nd Gas Upstream Operators
Manufacturing Industries
Commercial and Municipal
By Geography
North America United States
Canada
Mexico
Europe United Kingdom
Germany
France
Spain
Nordic Countries
Russia
Rest of Europe
Asia-Pacific China
India
Japan
South Korea
Malaysia
Thailand
Indonesia
Vietnam
Australia
Rest of Asia-Pacific
South America Brazil
Argentina
Colombia
Rest of South America
Middle East and Africa United Arab Emirates
Saudi Arabia
Qatar
Egypt
South Africa
Rest of Middle East and Africa
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Key Questions Answered in the Report

What is the current value of the small-scale LNG market?

The market is worth USD 11.80 billion in 2025 and is forecast to reach USD 19.34 billion by 2030.

Which segment contributes the largest revenue?

Liquefaction terminals generate the highest revenue, accounting for 62.5% of 2024 sales.

Which region is growing fastest?

Asia-Pacific leads growth with a projected 16% CAGR through 2030 on the back of industrialization and modular project roll-outs.

Why are FSRUs gaining popularity?

FSRUs can be deployed within 1-3 years at around USD 300 million, providing quick, flexible gas access for countries lacking pipeline networks.

How do IMO and EU rules affect demand?

Tighter sulphur and greenhouse-gas caps make LNG an attractive marine fuel, propelling bunkering volumes in European and global trade lanes.

What are the main constraints facing small-scale LNG in Africa?

Sparse ISO-tank back-haul logistics elevate transportation costs and hinder the competitiveness of LNG in landlocked markets.

Page last updated on: July 4, 2025

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