Gulf Energy & Bering Energy – LNG Tankers in Cold Storage
Gulf Energy and Bering Energy are two large LNG (liquefied natural gas) carriers that have become a familiar and somewhat unusual sight along the coast of Karmøy, Norway. Moored in a laid-up or “cold storage” state, they represent an earlier generation of LNG shipping — now largely retired from active service.
Both vessels were built in 1978 in the United States during the early expansion of the global LNG trade. At the time, they were among the largest and most advanced gas carriers in operation, designed to transport liquefied natural gas at extremely low temperatures across long distances.
Originally sailing under different names — including LNG Gemini for what is now Gulf Energy — the ships were part of a fleet that helped establish LNG as a major global energy commodity.
A New Role: Cold Lay-Up in Norway
Today, both ships are no longer in active commercial use. Instead, they are kept in long-term lay-up along the sheltered waters near Haugesund and Karmøy. In maritime terms, “cold lay-up” means the vessels are taken out of service with minimal crew onboard, systems powered down, and maintenance kept to a basic level to preserve the hull and structure.
Gulf Energy has been in lay-up in the area since around 2016, after arriving from Spain, and has remained largely stationary ever since.
Their current status is officially listed as laid up / moored, reflecting their inactive role.
Vessel Specifications – Gulf Energy and Bering Energy
- Type: LNG Carrier
- Year Built: 1978
- Length: ~285 m
- Beam: ~44 m
- Gross Tonnage: ~95,000 GT
- Status: Laid up (cold lay-up)
- Location: Karmsundet, near Karmøy, Norway
Below are some 360-degree panoramas taken on different places on the tankers. Click on the thumbnails to open the panoramas, and navigate between the different panoramas using the buttons on the bottom left and right.
