How BSM built LNG bunkering expertise from the ground up

As demand for LNG bunkering vessels grows, the industry faces a less visible challenge: finding and training the seafarers who can operate these highly specialised vessels safely and efficiently. A new case study developed jointly with SEA-LNG, a multi-sector industry coalition that promotes the use of liquefied natural gas as a marine fuel, explores BSM’s lessons learned from nearly a decade of LNG bunkering operations.

Issue - November 2026

Published on 09 Nov 2026

The LNG bunkering market is entering a new phase of growth. As the number of LNG-fuelled vessels continues to increase, industry observers expect the global LNG bunker vessel fleet to expand significantly over the coming years. But building more vessels is only part of the equation. The industry also needs qualified seafarers capable of operating them. Bernhard Schulte Shipmanagement (BSM) had to face this challenge at an early stage.

Already in 2018, BSM took over the management of its first LNG bunker vessel, “Kairos”, one of the world's first purpose-built LNG bunkering vessels. At the time, the LNG bunkering sector was still in its infancy. There were no established training pathways, limited operational experience in the market, and very few seafarers with direct LNG bunkering expertise. Rather than waiting for standards to emerge, BSM developed its own approach.

A new case study published by SEA-LNG examines how BSM built the competence needed to operate LNG bunker vessels safely from day one and how those lessons remain relevant as the sector continues to grow. The study draws on BSM’s operational experience and highlights the importance of practical, vessel-specific training, crew development and retention.

The “Kairos” was the first LNG bunkering vessel that BSM added to its managed fleet.
BSM has its own Maritime Training Centres, such as in Cyprus, which have special LNG training facilities.



One of the key findings is that LNG bunkering requires skills beyond traditional gas carrier operations. While BSM succeeded in transitioning experienced seafarers from LPG vessels through a dedicated bridging programme for LNG bunkering vessels, ship handling proved to be an unexpected challenge.

LNG bunker vessels operate in confined harbour environments and conduct frequent ship-to-ship transfers, requiring highly specialised manoeuvring skills. To address this, BSM developed dedicated training programmes and operational guidance based on experience from both LNG and offshore vessel management.

The case study also highlights another critical factor: crew stability. LNG bunkering vessels operate at an intensive pace, with frequent bunkering operations within confined waters. Retaining experienced officers and building long-term teams has therefore become a key contributor to safe and efficient operations.

Today, BSM manages more than 80 LNG vessels, including five LNG bunkering vessels, and around 60 LNG dual-fuel ships, supported by dedicated LNG expertise, specialised training capabilities and a growing LNG bunker vessel crew pool.

As alternative fuels gain traction across shipping, the lessons learned from LNG bunkering offer valuable guidance for the wider maritime industry. While technologies may evolve, one principle remains unchanged: the success of any new fuel ultimately depends on the people who operate it.

Read the full case study

The complete SEA-LNG case study, Crewing LNG Bunkering Operations: Learnings and Opportunities from BSM's MV Kairos, is available here.

Learn more about BSM’s LNG capabilities

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