Vulnerability in global natural gas supply chains:A qualitative assessment of disruption risks in LNG maritime logistics

Abstract Transportation of Liquefied Natural Gas, LNG, is an industry of considerable growth, and is of increasing relevance to the world energy supplies. Long, complex and tightly integrated value chains may be vulnerable to disruptions, in particular as capacities to offset a sudden lack of ability to deliver goods not necessarily are readily available. This paper discusses consequences and solutions to a low-probability high-impact disruption scenario in the LNG shipping industry, centered on the importance of sea lines of communication. A certification system on disruption risks is suggested as an incentive for stakeholders to assess threats which may interrupt a supply chain one may take part in or depend on. Partaking in any such may bring global benefits as well as being rational to single actors, and may also give a competitive advantage. Keywords Energy safety, LNG shipping, Supply chain vulnerability, Maritime logistics, Resilience.