The global energy landscape is undergoing a profound transformation. Decarbonisation and cleaner fuel technologies now demand new, flexible transit methods suitable for increasingly decentralised energy systems—a significant departure from the traditional point-to-point transport of hydrocarbons via ship or pipeline.
Cryogenic technologies, originally designed to enable the safe and efficient transportation of liquefied gases such as LNG, liquid oxygen, nitrogen and argon by sea, road and rail, are now being adapted to handle the next generation of low-carbon molecules—including hydrogen and e-fuels (synthetic fuels)—as well as CO₂ for storage and utilisation.
Cryogenic tanks provide the flexible transit pathway needed to link emerging clean-energy production or CO₂-emitting hubs with growing demand or storage centres. Whether serving large-scale industrial operations or flexible, localised energy networks, these tanks ensure that critical molecules move where they are needed most—quietly underpinning the emerging global clean-fuel economy.
In the growing LNG market, portable cryogenic tanks facilitate flexible supply chains, enabling power generation, marine bunkering and remote industrial sites where large-scale infrastructure is impractical. As hydrogen emerges as a clean fuel, these tanks provide a safe and efficient means of transport and storage—crucial during the scale-up phase before extensive pipeline networks are in place.
Furthermore, in the critical area of CCUS, captured CO₂ often requires liquefaction for transport to sequestration or utilisation sites; portable tanks enable early deployment and pilot projects, accelerating progress towards net-zero emissions. Even in the integration of renewables, such as remote offshore windfarms, cryogenic tanks offer practical solutions for specialised refuelling and backup energy storage. Their inherent flexibility makes them perfectly suited to both established hydrocarbon value chains and the nascent low-carbon ecosystem.
Supported by strong market drivers
Several key drivers underpin this rising prominence. Energy security, a paramount concern in today's volatile geopolitical climate, benefits from modular storage that facilitates agile supply chains. In both developed and emerging markets, these tanks bridge infrastructure gaps while larger, permanent facilities are being constructed. Industrial decarbonisation, particularly in hard-to-abate sectors, demands mobile, safe and efficient solutions for hydrogen and CO₂ logistics. And operationally, offshore and remote projects increasingly prefer modular solutions over fixed infrastructure for enhanced efficiency and reduced lead times. Global demand for portable cryogenic tanks is therefore poised for steady growth, with strong momentum in both traditional energy regions and new clean energy hubs.
OEG, a global leader in cargo carrying units and a key service provider to the offshore wind sector, is strategically positioning itself as a leading supplier of portable and intermodal cryogenic tanks. Serving energy and industrial customers across Europe, the US, the Middle East and Asia, OEG’s cryogenic solutions leverage decades of offshore and industrial expertise. These solutions are engineered to the highest standards of performance, safety and reliability, enabling both traditional and next-generation energy applications to operate more efficiently and sustainably.
To meet this growing global demand, OEG is making significant investments. This includes a major commitment to OEG’s first-ever fleet of high-performance T75 cryogenic ISO tanks in North America, now strategically located at our Houston facility. This milestone marks our official expansion into the region, strengthening our ability to meet the rising demand for safe, efficient transport of liquefied gases across the US and beyond. From our central location in Houston, with unparalleled access to major port, rail and highway infrastructure, we are well-positioned to quickly mobilise tank supply to energy hubs throughout Texas, Louisiana, and beyond, enhancing uptime for customers managing mission-critical operations.
Beyond North America, OEG maintains a robust global fleet of cryogenic ISO tanks, all designed to the highest international safety and performance standards. We are actively engaged with the evolving energy sector in regions such as the Middle East, where NOCs are investing heavily in maximising recovery and extending asset life, while simultaneously positioning themselves as leaders in hydrogen production and CCS. Our dual opportunity lies in continuing to facilitate hydrocarbon efficiency while enabling the clean energy projects that will shape the region’s long-term positioning.
Connecting molecules, markets and infrastructure
As the world accelerates towards decarbonisation and greater decentralisation of our energy systems, cryogenic storage and transport technologies will be pivotal in connecting molecules, markets and infrastructure. These portable tanks represent not just a specialist engineering solution but an essential tool for delivering cleaner, more flexible and more resilient energy systems worldwide. Their modular, mobile and scalable nature makes them indispensable for energy and industrial operators navigating both established demands and the exciting frontiers of clean energy.
David Carr is chief commercial officer at OEG. This article is taken from our Outlook 2026 report. To read Outlook 2026 in full, click here.
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