Overview
Kpler's LNG Bunkering methodology is designed to provide accurate, real-time insights into global LNG bunkering activity. By leveraging proprietary data pipelines on ship-to-ship events, structured processes, and layered enrichment logic, our reports empower market participants with the clearest picture of LNG bunkering supply chains—past, present, and future.
Step-by-Step Methodology
1. LNG-specific Data Collection (LNG BV port calls)
What Happens: We initiate data pulls from Kpler’s LNG Port Calls APIs. These APIs feed into our staging environments, capturing global LNG BV activity and port calls.
Why It Matters: Ensures real-time visibility into vessel movements and port activity, with no duplication.
2. Non-LNG specific Data Collection (Event Extraction & Enrichment)
What Happens: Raw bunkering and proximity events are extracted from Marine Traffic. Descriptions are parsed, cleaned, and enriched with vessel metadata (e.g., capacity, type, owner, charterer).
Why It Matters: Acquisition of data for non-LNG receiving vessels is key to assess LNG bunkering on the demand side. Then, structured and clean metadata is the foundation for accurate bunkering event analysis.
3. Validation & Filtering
What Happens: Events are paired, missing values defaulted, and invalid records excluded. Each operation is cross-referenced with AIS tracks and terminal data.
Why It Matters: This guarantees data integrity and relevance by removing false positives and ensuring coverage.
4. Historical Backfill & Merging
What Happens: Historical bunkering events are harmonized with current observations, ensuring no overlap or duplication. Role reversals (e.g., loading/discharge) are accounted for.
Why It Matters: Offers a complete, backward-compatible dataset with unmatched granularity.
5. Data Quality Assurance
What Happens: Flag missing vessels/zones, validate operations types, and ensure logical estimates for bunkering volumes.
Why It Matters: Identifies anomalies and supports continuous data refinement.
6. Report Generation
What Happens: Cleaned and enriched data is structured for reporting. Key metrics include volume trends, top zones, supplier activity, main players, and fleet utilization.
Why It Matters: Provides stakeholders with raw datasets, intuitive dashboards and downloadable PDFs ready for executive briefings.
7. Continuous Update & Maintenance
What Happens: New vessels, installations, and events are added continuously. Orderbooks and dynamic fields are maintained monthly.
Why It Matters: Keeps insights fresh and aligned with real-world developments.
Key Metrics Delivered
Top Bunkering Zones by volume and activity
All Bunkering Events by vessel type and location over time
Fleet Utilization per month
Vessel Orderbook Trends by build year
Supplier and Ownership Rankings across vessel types types
Why this methodology for Kpler's LNG Bunkering?
Depth: Combines real-time and historical data with vessel-level granularity.
Complexity: pairs non-LNG and LNG-related datasets to create a unique dataset.
Completeness: global coverage for an exhaustive view of the LNG bunkering market.
Accuracy: Multi-step validation ensures clean, trustworthy insights.
Flexibility: Built to scale across new vessels, ports, and use cases.
Actionable Outputs: Currently delivered in report, ready for strategic or operational decision-making.