Floating Liquefied Natural Gas (FLNG) Market
By Processing Capacity;
Large-Scale Capacity and Small-Scale CapacityBy Technology Type;
FLNG Vessels and Floating ProductionBy Gas;
Natural Gas and FSRUBy Geography;
North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Middle East & Africa, and Latin America - Report Timeline (2021 - 2031)Introduction
Global Floating Liquefied Natural Gas Market (USD Million), 2021 - 2031
In the year 2024, the Global Floating Liquefied Natural Gas Market was valued at USD 44,219.83 million. The size of this market is expected to increase to USD 213,229.54 million by the year 2031, while growing at a Compounded Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 25.2%.
Floating Liquefied Natural Gas (FLNG) Market
*Market size in USD million
CAGR 25.2 %
Study Period | 2025 - 2031 |
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Base Year | 2024 |
CAGR (%) | 25.2 % |
Market Size (2024) | USD 44,219.83 Million |
Market Size (2031) | USD 213,229.54 Million |
Market Concentration | Low |
Report Pages | 391 |
Major Players
- Black & Veatch Holding
- Eni Spa
- Excelerate Energy LP
- EXMAR NV
- Golar LNG
- Lloyds Energy DMCC
- Petroliam Nasional Berhad
- Royal Dutch Shell
- Samsung Heavy Industries
- TechnipFMC Plc
Market Concentration
Consolidated - Market dominated by 1 - 5 major players
Floating Liquefied Natural Gas (FLNG) Market
Fragmented - Highly competitive market without dominant players
The Global Floating Liquefied Natural Gas (FLNG) market has emerged as a transformative solution in the natural gas industry, offering innovative offshore liquefaction and processing capabilities. FLNG technology enables the development of natural gas reserves located in remote offshore fields or stranded gas reserves previously deemed uneconomical to exploit. By liquefying natural gas at offshore facilities, FLNG facilitates transportation and export to global markets, providing a flexible and cost-effective solution for monetizing offshore gas resources.
The FLNG market is witnessing significant growth driven by several factors, including the increasing demand for natural gas as a cleaner alternative to traditional fossil fuels, the depletion of onshore gas reserves, and the technological advancements in floating LNG technology. FLNG projects offer numerous advantages, such as reduced capital expenditure compared to onshore LNG facilities, shorter development lead times, and the ability to access stranded gas reserves without the need for costly pipeline infrastructure. Additionally, FLNG provides greater flexibility in LNG production and transportation, allowing operators to respond to changing market conditions and optimize project economics.
The FLNG market is characterized by a diverse range of players, including oil and gas companies, engineering firms, and technology providers, each contributing to the development and deployment of FLNG projects worldwide. As governments and energy companies seek to expand their LNG portfolios and capitalize on offshore gas resources, investments in FLNG technology are expected to grow, driving further innovation and market expansion in the coming years. The global FLNG market presents lucrative opportunities for stakeholders across the value chain, from upstream exploration and production companies to downstream LNG buyers and traders, as FLNG continues to reshape the dynamics of the natural gas industry on a global scale.
Global Floating Liquefied Natural Gas Market Recent Developments
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In September 2023, Exmar launched a floating LNG unit off the coast of Argentina, enhancing LNG production capabilities and meeting global market demand for cleaner energy alternatives.
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In June 2021, Shell announced the successful completion of its first floating LNG (FLNG) project in Malaysia, marking a significant milestone in LNG production and delivery.
Floating Liquefied Natural Gas Market Segment Analysis
In this report, the Floating Liquefied Natural Gas Market has been segmented by Processing Capacity, Technology Type, Gas and Geography.
Floating Liquefied Natural Gas Market, Segmentation by Processing Capacity
The Floating Liquefied Natural Gas Market has been segmented by Processing Capacity into Large-scale capacity and Small-scale capacity.
Large-Scale Capacity: Floating Liquefied Natural Gas units with large-scale capacities are designed to process significant volumes, often exceeding 1 million tonnes per annum (MTPA). These large-scale units are dominant in the market, accounting for approximately 70-80% of the global FLNG production. They are commonly used by major energy corporations to access large, offshore gas fields, making them an essential part of the industry's infrastructure. With their ability to handle vast quantities of natural gas, large-scale FLNG units are also highly efficient in liquefaction processes, contributing to enhanced production rates.
Small-Scale Capacity: On the other hand, small-scale Floating Liquefied Natural Gas units typically handle processing capacities under 1 MTPA. These units are particularly beneficial in scenarios where gas fields are smaller or located in remote, difficult-to-reach regions. Small-scale FLNG units have risen in popularity and now represent around 20-30% of the overall market. They offer greater flexibility, allowing companies to serve niche markets and address gas shortages in underserved or developing regions. Their quick deployment and ability to process smaller volumes make them an attractive solution for emerging economies.
Floating Liquefied Natural Gas Market, Segmentation by Technology Type
The Floating Liquefied Natural Gas Market has been segmented by Technology Type into FLNG Vessels and Floating Production.
FLNG Vessels: Floating Liquefied Natural Gas (FLNG) vessels represent a cutting-edge solution for offshore gas production and liquefaction. These vessels combine gas extraction and liquefaction processes into a single, floating unit, which enhances both operational efficiency and mobility. FLNG vessels make up approximately 60-70% of the total market share, with their popularity driven by their ability to operate in deepwater and remote locations where building onshore infrastructure would be costly. Their flexible nature allows them to serve large-scale natural gas projects with significant processing capacities, reducing the need for extensive infrastructure.
Floating Production: Floating production units, on the other hand, are designed to focus on the extraction and processing of natural gas, with liquefaction often occurring on separate, dedicated facilities. This technology accounts for around 30-40% of the market. Floating production units offer flexibility in terms of installation and operation, especially in areas where existing liquefaction plants can be used. These units help reduce initial capital expenditures, making them an attractive option for companies looking to minimize upfront investment while still accessing offshore gas fields.
Floating Liquefied Natural Gas Market, Segmentation by Gas
The Floating Liquefied Natural Gas Market has been segmented by Gas into Natural Gas and FSRU.
Natural Gas
This segment dominates the market with an estimated share of 65–70%, supported by rising global energy demand and the shift toward cleaner fuels. Increasing reliance on offshore liquefaction units is boosting capacity, while annual growth remains strong at 5–6%. Enhanced export potential is also driving adoption in emerging economies.
FSRU (Floating Storage and Regasification Unit)
Accounting for around 30–35% of the market, FSRUs are gaining momentum due to their cost efficiency and deployment flexibility. Demand is projected to expand at a CAGR of 7–8% as nations seek faster LNG import solutions. Growing preference for modular regasification and scalable infrastructure continues to strengthen this segment.
Floating Liquefied Natural Gas Market, Segmentation by Geography
In this report, the Floating Liquefied Natural Gas Market has been segmented by Geography into five regions; North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Middle East & Africa and Latin America.
Regions and Countries Analyzed in this Report
Floating Liquefied Natural Gas Market Share (%), by Geographical Region
North America: North America holds a leading position in the FLNG market, accounting for approximately 30-35% of the global market share. This is largely due to the United States' status as one of the world's top natural gas producers and its growing focus on LNG export infrastructure. With advancements in FLNG technologies, the region is poised to play a key role in global energy markets by enhancing its LNG production and storage capacities, further boosting energy security.
Europe: Europe contributes about 25-30% to the global FLNG market, driven by the region's increasing energy diversification needs. European countries like the UK, Norway, and the Netherlands are investing heavily in FLNG solutions as part of their efforts to reduce dependence on pipeline gas. The growing interest in FLNG technology in these regions is enhancing the continent's energy independence and its ability to meet future energy demands sustainably.
Asia Pacific: Asia Pacific is the fastest-growing region in the FLNG market, with a share of approximately 35-40%. The rapid energy demand in countries such as China, Japan, and South Korea has led to significant growth in FLNG projects. These nations are increasingly relying on FLNG technology to meet their energy needs, making Asia Pacific a key area for investment and development in the global FLNG market.
Middle East & Africa: The Middle East and Africa represent around 10-12% of the global FLNG market. The region's vast offshore natural gas reserves, particularly in countries like Qatar, make it an important player in the FLNG sector. With ongoing infrastructure development and a strategic geographic location, this region is becoming a key hub for FLNG solutions, catering to both regional and international energy demands.
Latin America: Latin America contributes approximately 5-7% to the global FLNG market. While smaller in market share, the region is seeing increased adoption of FLNG technologies due to its natural gas reserves, particularly in Brazil and Argentina. FLNG units offer a practical solution for offshore gas production, helping to meet the growing energy demands while minimizing infrastructure costs, which makes them a viable option in the region.
Market Trends
This report provides an in depth analysis of various factors that impact the dynamics of Global Floating Liquefied Natural Gas Market. These factors include; Market Drivers, Restraints and Opportunities.
Drivers, Restraints and Opportunity
Drivers
- Offshore Gas Reserves
- Cost Efficiency
- Technological Advancements
- Energy Security
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Flexibility - Flexibility is a central theme in the Global Floating Liquefied Natural Gas (FLNG) Market, offering operators and investors a range of advantages in terms of project development, operations, and market responsiveness. One aspect of flexibility lies in the mobility of FLNG facilities, which enables operators to access remote offshore gas fields and exploit stranded gas reserves that are economically unfeasible to develop using traditional onshore LNG infrastructure. Unlike fixed onshore facilities, FLNG units can be deployed closer to the gas source, reducing transportation costs, infrastructure requirements, and environmental impacts associated with pipeline construction and land-based liquefaction plants. This mobility allows operators to adjust project scope and location based on evolving market conditions, resource availability, and regulatory considerations, enhancing project flexibility and resilience in dynamic market environments.
The modular design and scalability of FLNG facilities provide operators with flexibility in project development and optimization. FLNG projects can be tailored to match specific project requirements, including liquefaction capacity, storage capacity, and processing capabilities, allowing for phased development and incremental capacity expansions as market demand grows or new gas reserves are discovered. This modular approach reduces upfront capital investment, accelerates project timelines, and mitigates financial risks associated with large-scale infrastructure projects, enabling operators to adapt to changing market dynamics and optimize resource utilization over the project lifecycle. Additionally, the scalability of FLNG technology allows operators to target niche markets, access smaller gas fields, and serve remote or isolated communities with customized LNG solutions, further enhancing the market flexibility and competitiveness of FLNG projects.
Restraints
- High Initial Investment
- Regulatory Challenges
- Technological Complexity
- Operational Risks
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Environmental Concerns - Environmental concerns play a significant role in shaping the development and operation of Floating Liquefied Natural Gas (FLNG) projects, reflecting the need to balance economic interests with environmental sustainability and regulatory compliance.
One primary environmental concern associated with FLNG operations is the potential impact on marine ecosystems and biodiversity. FLNG facilities are typically located in offshore environments, which are often ecologically sensitive and support diverse marine habitats and species. Activities such as dredging, underwater noise, and discharges of wastewater and cooling water can disrupt marine ecosystems, affect marine life behavior, and cause habitat degradation. To mitigate these impacts, FLNG operators implement environmental management plans, conduct environmental impact assessments, and adhere to regulatory requirements to minimize their ecological footprint and protect marine biodiversity.
Greenhouse gas emissions and climate change represent significant environmental challenges associated with FLNG operations. While natural gas is considered a cleaner alternative to coal and oil in terms of carbon emissions, FLNG projects still emit greenhouse gases during production, processing, and transportation of LNG. Methane emissions, in particular, pose a concern due to their potent greenhouse effect, contributing to global warming and climate change. To address these concerns, FLNG operators employ technologies and practices to minimize methane leakage, optimize energy efficiency, and reduce carbon emissions throughout the LNG value chain, from gas extraction to liquefaction and transportation.
Opportunities
- Emerging Markets
- Offshore Exploration
- Strategic Partnerships
- Energy Transition
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Capacity Expansion - Capacity expansion is a key strategy in the Global Floating Liquefied Natural Gas (FLNG) Market, enabling operators to meet growing demand for liquefied natural gas (LNG), capitalize on emerging market opportunities, and maximize the utilization of offshore gas reserves. One aspect of capacity expansion involves increasing the liquefaction capacity of existing FLNG facilities through debottlenecking, optimization, and technology upgrades. By enhancing production efficiency, process reliability, and throughput rates, operators can unlock additional LNG output from existing assets, thereby maximizing returns on investment and extending the economic life of FLNG projects. Capacity expansion through debottlenecking and optimization allows operators to leverage existing infrastructure, minimize capital expenditure, and accelerate project timelines, positioning them to capitalize on short-term market trends and demand fluctuations while laying the groundwork for future growth and expansion.
Capacity expansion in the Global FLNG Market involves the development of new FLNG projects and the deployment of additional FLNG units to monetize stranded gas reserves, access new markets, and diversify revenue streams. New FLNG projects are designed to meet evolving market demands, regulatory requirements, and technological advancements, incorporating lessons learned from previous projects and leveraging innovations in FLNG design, construction, and operation. By deploying additional FLNG units, operators can scale up LNG production capacity, expand market reach, and optimize resource utilization across multiple offshore gas fields, enhancing operational efficiency and competitiveness in the global LNG market. Moreover, the strategic placement of new FLNG units in proximity to high-demand markets, LNG import terminals, and transportation hubs enables operators to capture value along the LNG value chain, minimize transportation costs, and maximize profit margins.
Competitive Landscape Analysis
Key players in Global Floating Liquefied Natural Gas Market include:
- Black & Veatch Holding
- Eni Spa
- Excelerate Energy LP
- EXMAR NV
- Golar LNG
- Lloyds Energy DMCC
- Petroliam Nasional Berhad
- Royal Dutch Shell
- Samsung Heavy Industries
- TechnipFMC Plc
In this report, the profile of each market player provides following information:
- Company Overview and Product Portfolio
- Key Developments
- Financial Overview
- Strategies
- Company SWOT Analysis
- Introduction
- Research Objectives and Assumptions
- Research Methodology
- Abbreviations
- Market Definition & Study Scope
- Executive Summary
- Market Snapshot, By Processing Capacity
- Market Snapshot, By Technology Type
- Market Snapshot, By Gas
- Market Snapshot, By Region
- Floating Liquefied Natural Gas Market Dynamics
- Drivers, Restraints and Opportunities
- Drivers
- Offshore Gas Reserves
- Cost Efficiency
- Technological Advancements
- Energy Security
- Flexibility
- Restraints
- High Initial Investment
- Regulatory Challenges
- Technological Complexity
- Operational Risks
- Environmental Concerns
- Opportunities
- Emerging Markets
- Offshore Exploration
- Strategic Partnerships
- Energy Transition
- Capacity Expansion
- Drivers
- PEST Analysis
- Political Analysis
- Economic Analysis
- Social Analysis
- Technological Analysis
- Porter's Analysis
- Bargaining Power of Suppliers
- Bargaining Power of Buyers
- Threat of Substitutes
- Threat of New Entrants
- Competitive Rivalry
- Drivers, Restraints and Opportunities
- Market Segmentation
- Floating Liquefied Natural Gas Market, By Processing Capacity, 2021 - 2031 (USD Million)
- Large-scale capacity
- Small-scale capacity
- Floating Liquefied Natural Gas Market, By Technology Type, 2021 - 2031 (USD Million)
- FLNG Vessels
- Floating Production
- Floating Liquefied Natural Gas Market, By Gas, 2021 - 2031 (USD Million)
- Natural Gas
- FSRU
- Floating Liquefied Natural Gas Market, By Geography, 2021 - 2031 (USD Million)
- North America
- United States
- Canada
- Europe
- Germany
- United Kingdom
- France
- Italy
- Spain
- Nordic
- Benelux
- Rest of Europe
- Asia Pacific
- Japan
- China
- India
- Australia & New Zealand
- South Korea
- ASEAN (Association of South East Asian Countries)
- Rest of Asia Pacific
- Middle East & Africa
- GCC
- Israel
- South Africa
- Rest of Middle East & Africa
- Latin America
- Brazil
- Mexico
- Argentina
- Rest of Latin America
- North America
- Floating Liquefied Natural Gas Market, By Processing Capacity, 2021 - 2031 (USD Million)
- Competitive Landscape
- Company Profiles
- Black & Veatch Holding
- Eni Spa
- Excelerate Energy LP
- EXMAR NV
- Golar LNG
- Lloyds Energy DMCC
- Petroliam Nasional Berhad
- Royal Dutch Shell
- Samsung Heavy Industries
- TechnipFMC Plc
- Company Profiles
- Analyst Views
- Future Outlook of the Market