Press Release

Middle East & Africa LNG Bunkering Market is Expected to Register a 5.59% CAGR Through 2030

Rising Maritime Trade & Port Expansion and Environmental Regulations & Emission Control Mandates are likely to propel the market during the forecast period.


According to TechSci Research report, “Middle East & Africa LNG Bunkering Market – By Country, Competition, Forecast and Opportunities, 2020-2030F”, Middle East & Africa LNG Bunkering Market was valued at USD 158 Million in 2024 and is expected to reach USD 220 Million by 2030 with a CAGR of 5.59% during the forecast period.

Governments in the Middle East and parts of Africa are increasingly incorporating LNG bunkering into their broader energy transition strategies. This trend reflects a growing recognition that the maritime sector is both a significant energy consumer and a key leverage point for national decarbonization efforts. As countries seek to diversify their energy portfolios and reduce dependence on oil, LNG is being positioned as a transitional fuel, not only for power generation but also for transportation and shipping.

In countries like the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Egypt, national energy roadmaps now include goals related to LNG infrastructure expansion, emissions reduction in ports, and low-carbon shipping initiatives. LNG bunkering is emerging as a practical and strategic component of these plans. For example, integrating LNG bunkering terminals with existing gas distribution networks and industrial zones allows for synergies in logistics, cost-sharing, and operational efficiency. Additionally, governments are incentivizing LNG-related investments through subsidies, tax exemptions, and favorable regulatory environments. These measures are intended to attract private sector participation and position the country as a regional LNG logistics hub.

In Africa, where many nations are seeking to monetize newly discovered gas reserves, integrating LNG bunkering into national energy strategies provides a way to serve both domestic needs and export markets. Countries like Mozambique and Senegal are exploring how LNG for shipping can complement broader energy and economic development plans.

By embedding LNG bunkering within long-term national strategies, countries are better positioned to align infrastructure development, policy reforms, and environmental goals—creating a more resilient and forward-looking maritime energy ecosystem.


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Based on End User, The Bulk and General Cargo Fleet holds a dominant position in the Middle East & Africa LNG bunkering market due to the region's strong dependence on bulk trade, mineral exports, and growing industrial activity. This vessel segment encompasses ships that transport commodities such as coal, iron ore, cement, grains, and construction materials—core products that form the backbone of trade in many MEA countries.

Many African economies rely heavily on the export of raw materials, including bulk minerals and agricultural products. Countries like South Africa, Nigeria, Angola, and Egypt have high volumes of bulk shipping due to their roles as suppliers of natural resources. Similarly, the Middle East serves as a key import destination for bulk goods such as food and industrial inputs, supporting its construction and manufacturing sectors. The frequent movement of these goods across regional and global trade routes has led to a high concentration of bulk and general cargo vessels operating in MEA waters.

Many of these ships operate on long-haul routes that cross strategic maritime chokepoints like the Suez Canal and the Bab el-Mandeb Strait. These routes fall under increasing regulatory scrutiny for emissions, driving demand for LNG as a cleaner marine fuel. LNG-powered or dual-fuel bulk carriers are thus seen as a sustainable solution for compliance with IMO 2020 and other emission control mandates. Another factor is the cost sensitivity of the bulk shipping industry. LNG offers a long-term reduction in operating costs due to its competitive pricing and lower maintenance requirements compared to high-sulfur fuel oils. Shipowners are recognizing this economic advantage and are more inclined to adopt LNG for bulk fleets that operate frequently and carry heavy loads over extended distances.

Based on Country, Qatar is emerging as the fastest-growing player in the Middle East & Africa LNG bunkering market due to several key factors that leverage its strategic location, natural gas abundance, and government-driven energy diversification efforts.

Qatar is one of the world's leading producers of natural gas, with vast reserves that position the country as a key LNG exporter. The nation’s existing LNG infrastructure is highly developed, and its large-scale liquefaction plants provide a solid foundation for expanding LNG bunkering services. Qatar's status as the world’s top LNG exporter enables it to offer a reliable and cost-effective supply of LNG for maritime fuel.

Qatar’s location in the Arabian Gulf makes it an ideal hub for LNG bunkering. Situated near major international shipping routes, particularly those passing through the Strait of Hormuz and the Gulf of Oman, Qatar has the potential to serve as a key refueling station for vessels operating between the Middle East, Asia, and Europe. This strategic positioning enhances Qatar's appeal as a prominent player in the growing LNG bunkering market.

Qatar’s government is deeply committed to sustainable energy and environmental goals. As part of its Vision 2030, Qatar has been working to diversify its energy economy, reduce emissions, and enhance its maritime infrastructure. The government has been actively promoting LNG as a cleaner fuel for the shipping sector, with investments in LNG bunkering terminals, refueling stations, and port infrastructure to facilitate growth in this sector.

Qatar is heavily investing in port infrastructure, including LNG bunkering terminals, to support the growth of LNG-fueled vessels. The recent expansion of Hamad Port and the planned LNG refueling stations are part of these efforts. Qatar’s ability to integrate LNG bunkering within its robust maritime infrastructure ensures it remains a top contender for attracting international shipping companies.


Major companies operating in the Middle East & Africa LNG Bunkering Market are:

  • TotalEnergies SE
  • Shell plc
  • Gasum Oy
  • ENGIE SA
  • Trafigura Group Ltd.
  • Vitol Group
  • LNG Energy
  • ExxonMobil Corporation


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The Middle East & Africa LNG bunkering market presents a significant opportunity driven by rising maritime trade, abundant natural gas reserves, and increasing environmental regulations. Strategic port locations along global shipping routes, such as the Suez Canal and the Strait of Hormuz, position the region as a potential LNG refueling hub. As global shipping companies transition to cleaner fuels, demand for LNG infrastructure and services is set to grow. Coupled with government-backed energy diversification plans and international investments, the region offers strong potential for LNG bunkering expansion, technology deployment, and integration into global low-emission maritime networks.,” said Mr. Karan Chechi, Research Director of TechSci Research, a research-based global management consulting firm. 

Middle East & Africa LNG Bunkering Market, By Vessel Type (Container Fleet, Tanker Fleet, Cargo Fleet, Ferries, Inland Vessels), By End User (Ferries, Cruise-Ships, Bulk & General Cargo Fleet, Offshore Support Vessels, Others) By Country, Competition, Forecast & Opportunities, 2020-2030F”, has evaluated the future growth potential of Middle East & Africa LNG Bunkering Market and provides statistics & information on Market size, structure and future Market growth. The report intends to provide cutting-edge Market intelligence and help decision-makers make sound investment decisions. The report also identifies and analyzes the emerging trends along with essential drivers, challenges, and opportunities in the Middle East & Africa LNG Bunkering Market.

 

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