Trucks and ships powered by LNG: changing in heavy transportation

In recent years, increasingly stringent environmental regulations have accelerated the transformation of the heavy-duty transportation sector, pushing toward low-emission solutions. Liquefied natural gas (LNG) is emerging as a key option for trucks and ships, offering a 30 percent reduction in CO₂ emissions compared to diesel and significant cuts in nitrogen oxides, particulate matter and carbon monoxide. This transition is redefining the energy landscape for heavy logistics, with significant developments in China, the United States and Europe.

China is driving the adoption of LNG trucks with unprecedented growth. In 2023, sales of these vehicles increased 104% in the first half of the year to 152,000 units, a 307% increase over the entire previous year. This expansion continues into 2024, with a 135% increase in sales in the first quarter and market share reaching 42% in vehicles above 14 tons, up from 9% in 2022.
The main driver for this transition is the economic benefit. The operating cost of an LNG-powered truck is about 21.76 euros per 100 km, compared with 35.84 euros for a diesel truck, saving 40 percent over long distances. It is expected that by 2025, 10% of the heavy-duty truck fleet in China will be powered by LNG, reaching one million units. However, it is important to note that this growth, while significant, still has limited impact on overall oil demand in China, which is influenced more by the economic slowdown than by large-scale diesel substitution.

In the United States, the LNG truck market is growing at a more moderate pace than in China, but with solid prospects. As early as 2023, more than 135,000 natural gas vehicles were on the road in the country, with major players such as UPS having invested in the technology for more than a decade.
The United States, the world's leading producer and exporter of LNG, is seeing an increase in domestic demand from 20.3 to 24.2 billion cubic feet per day between 2026 and 2028. This trend is prompting major truck manufacturers such as Freightliner, Kenworth, Navistar, Peterbilt, and Volvo to develop new LNG models. In addition, EPA regulations requiring between 30 percent and 56 percent of vehicles sold by 2032 to be electric or low-emission are setting the stage for wider adoption of LNG as a sustainable and competitive alternative.

The adoption of LNG trucks in Europe has slowed after the rise in gas prices triggered by the Russian invasion of Ukraine in 2022. However, the Italian market is showing signs of stabilization and growth. In 2024, the number of LNG trucks in Italy reached 5,050 units, up slightly from 4,824 in 2023. The refueling infrastructure is also improving, with 168 stations operating in 2024 compared to 159 in the previous year. These developments consolidate Italy's role as one of the most advanced European countries in the heavy-duty LNG sector.

In addition to trucks, the maritime sector is also rapidly adopting LNG. Currently, there are 535 LNG-fueled ships in operation, with more than 500 units already on order. Within the next three years, the number is expected to exceed 1,000 units, with increasing deployment in commercial vessels as well.
The adoption of LNG is particularly evident in cargo transport: more than 75 percent of China's new export container ships are designed to run on this fuel. In addition, the refueling network is growing rapidly, with more than 100 ports in Europe and Asia already equipped for LNG and many more under development.
The reasons for this transition are the same as those observed in the truck sector: increasingly stringent environmental regulations and the economic competitiveness of LNG over traditional fuels.

The adoption of LNG in heavy and maritime transport is a key piece in the global energy transition. Its growth, supported by environmental and economic benefits, is transforming the logistics and freight transport sector.
As a technology company, we closely monitor these developments, aware of the key role LNG can play in decarbonizing the industry. The challenge will be to ensure adequate infrastructure and a long-term strategy that allows this technology to establish itself as a sustainable and competitive solution in the global energy landscape.