LNG and LPG carrier seafarer salaries

Gas carriers represent the highest-paying vessel category in commercial deep-sea shipping for deck and engineering officers. LNG carriers transport liquefied natural gas at −163°C under the SIGTTO / OCIMF GIIGNL framework; LPG carriers (VLGCs, MGCs, SGCs) carry propane, butane, and ammonia under pressure or refrigeration. Emerging vessel types — ethane carriers and ammonia carriers linked to the green-hydrogen supply chain — are entering service in growing numbers. All gas-carrier officers must hold STCW V/1-2-1 Basic Liquefied Gas Tanker and, for watchkeeping purposes, V/1-2-2 Advanced Liquefied Gas endorsements. The scarcity of qualified officers and the asset values at stake underpin a 25–40% wage premium above dry-cargo baseline.

Published salary ranges

Pay premium vs dry-cargo baseline

LNG carriers pay 25–40% above equivalent bulk carrier positions for deck and engineering officers. The premium is driven by three factors: the cost and scarcity of STCW gas-tanker endorsements, the specialist knowledge of BOG management, reliquefaction, and DFDE/MEGI/TFDE propulsion, and the extremely high commercial and safety stakes of LNG cargoes. LPG carriers (VLGC) pay roughly 15–25% above dry-cargo baseline. Ratings on gas carriers earn above equivalent dry-cargo rates but the gap narrows significantly compared with officers, as ratings do not require the same certification burden.

What affects pay on gas carriers

• LNG vs LPG trade. LNG pays more; VLGC sits below LNG but well above dry-cargo.
• Gas-specific endorsements. V/1-2-1 Basic and V/1-2-2 Advanced Liquefied Gas are mandatory for watchkeeping; cost and time to obtain restricts supply.
• Propulsion system experience. MEGI, DFDE, TFDE, and X-DF propulsion command premiums from operators expanding their dual-fuel fleets.
• SIGTTO and OCIMF vetting. Major LNG operators (Shell, TotalEnergies, QatarEnergy) apply strict crew-experience requirements.
• Ammonia and ethane premium. These emerging sectors pay at or above VLGC due to limited qualified crews and novel operational demands.

Frequently asked questions

Why do LNG carrier officers earn so much more than bulk carrier officers?

LNG carriers require STCW Advanced Gas Tanker (V/1-2-2) certification, which is time-consuming and expensive to obtain. The asset values involved ($200–300 million per vessel) and cargo risk (liquefied methane at -163°C) demand extensive experience. Qualified LNG deck officers and engineers are scarce globally, which drives pay 25–40% above an equivalent bulk carrier position.

What is the difference in pay between LNG and LPG carriers?

LNG carriers generally pay 10–20% more than LPG (VLGC) carriers at senior ranks. LNG requires more specialist systems knowledge (BOG management, reliquefaction, MEGI/DFDE propulsion) and a larger asset base. VLGC pay is still significantly above bulk carrier rates — VLGCs pay roughly 15–25% above equivalent bulk positions.

Do ammonia and ethane carriers pay the same as LNG?

Ammonia and ethane carriers use similar gas-carrier certification frameworks (STCW V/1-2-1 Basic or V/1-2-2 Advanced) but the fleet size is smaller. Pay is typically on par with or slightly below VLGC rates, though specialist ammonia trade experience (relevant to the emerging green-hydrogen supply chain) is attracting premiums from 2023 onwards.

How long does it take to qualify as an LNG officer from bulk carrier experience?

A Chief Mate with 2+ years on crude tankers (already holding Advanced Oil endorsement) typically needs Basic Gas Tanker (V/1-2-1) and Advanced Liquefied Gas (V/1-2-2) courses plus 3 months of supervised gas-tanker sea time before an operator will consider them for Chief Officer gas. Total transition from dry-cargo: expect 12–24 months of additional certification and supervised trips.

Disclaimer. Salary ranges are point-in-time estimates from public sources. They do not constitute a wage offer, a binding rate, or legal advice. Always verify against your SEA and the applicable CBA.