From forest to fleet: how plywood keeps LNG cold at sea

The global LNG market is booming, driven by growing demand for cleaner energy alternatives. But moving LNG across oceans presents a unique challenge: it must be kept at ultra-cold temperatures aboard massive carrier vessels. The solution? Birch plywood – a natural material with insulation properties that have become essential for the safe and efficient global transport of LNG.

As the world accelerates its shift toward cleaner energy, Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) has emerged as a key player in the transition. Emitting less CO₂ when used for power generation, LNG is considered a more sustainable alternative to coal and oil. Its ability to be shipped worldwide on large, purpose-built vessels reduces reliance on pipeline gas and makes it a flexible backup for renewables during the transition to a fully decarbonized energy system. LNG is mainly transported by sea for final use on land, but it is also increasingly used to power ships – particularly cruise ships and cargo vessels – as a cleaner alternative to heavy fuel oil.

Complex challenges under extreme conditions

LNG is produced by cooling natural gas to -163°C. This reduces its volume dramatically but requires an exceptional level of insulation around the gas tanks. The insulation must consistently maintain ultra-low cryogenic temperatures to prevent “boil-off” – the unwanted evaporation of LNG during transport and storage, which can lead to significant economic losses and safety risks.

Transporting LNG by sea requires shipbuilders to design vessels around the large gas tanks from the ground up. The highly regulated and complex shipbuilding process means any delay in delivering tank insulation components can trigger costly penalties for shipyards. In this high-stakes environment, reliability and responsiveness are paramount, with customers demanding solutions that not only meet strict performance standards but also adapt to shifting construction schedules and market conditions.

WISA®-Birch plywood excels at sea

With its exceptional strength-to-weight ratio and proven performance in extreme cryogenic conditions, birch plywood has emerged as the material of choice for LNG carrier insulation. UPM, a leader in this field, produces high-quality WISA-Birch plywood that meets rigorous certification standards. This plywood is used in the construction of insulation elements that encase LNG tanks, helping to maintain the extremely low temperatures required during transit. Its inherent properties – durability, dimensional stability, and lightweight construction – make it uniquely suited to the task.

The insulation technology is built upon a licensed system from the French company GTT. This technology defines how the insulation is constructed and ensures that all suppliers and shipyards adhere to strict quality controls. With ongoing technological advancements aimed at reducing the boil-off rate, the basic concept of using birch plywood has proven to be a mainstay and remains largely unchanged. Its reliability in maintaining structural integrity and thermal performance has been demonstrated over decades of service, making it a cornerstone of modern LNG carrier design today and tomorrow.

Credit: GTT - Roland Mouron

Long-standing expertise for growing market demands

The use of birch plywood in LNG carrier insulation dates back to the 1960s, when its initial applications established a strong foundation in the industry. Since then, UPM has built enduring partnerships with shipbuilders, earning a reputation for dependable service and adaptability. Mikko Iso-Kuusela, Senior Manager, Sales at UPM, highlights that the LNG carrier market is currently experiencing an unprecedented surge. “We are seeing a compound annual growth rate of about 9% projected until 2030,” he says. “This rate is driven in part by the geopolitical shifts following the Russia-Ukraine conflict, which have accelerated Europe’s move from pipeline gas to LNG imports. But mostly by an increase of new liquefaction capacity, environmental regulations and fleet modernization.”

The robust market growth is also fueled by increasing demand from emerging markets and diverse sectors such as cruise shipping, which are beginning to adopt LNG for its cleaner energy profile. “UPM stands out in this market through a legacy of quality, reliability, and responsive customer service,” says Mikko. “Our deep industry ties, built over the past 30 to 40 years, allow us to adapt quickly to changes in shipbuilding schedules, ensuring that delays are minimized.”

With its blend of sustainability and performance, plywood stands as a clear example of UPM’s broad portfolio of innovative material solutions. Drawing on deep materials science expertise and a strong foundation in service excellence, UPM not only meets today’s market demands but also leads the way toward the next generation of plywood and a wide range of material solutions.

A pivotal role in the energy transition

As the maritime industry navigates the transition toward cleaner energy, the role of birch plywood in LNG carriers remains as critical as ever. The enduring material demonstrates how traditional resources can seamlessly integrate with modern engineering to address today’s challenges. With its proven track record, superior performance in extreme conditions, and decades of reliable service, birch plywood stands out as a key enabler of safe and efficient LNG transportation.

Looking ahead, the LNG market is set to expand further, with ongoing technological advancements set to continually refine this wood-based solution. While LNG is widely recognized as a transitional fuel on the path to a fully sustainable energy future, the reliability of birch plywood insulation will remain central to ensuring that ocean carriers meet the evolving demands of the global energy market. In a world increasingly driven by innovation, the high-performing plywood exemplifies how the old and new can work together to power the global transition toward cleaner energy.

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