Methane Pioneer facts for kids

The Methane Pioneer was a very special ship. It was the world's first ship designed to carry liquefied natural gas across oceans. It started as a regular cargo ship in 1945 called Marline Hitch. Over the years, it had a few different names, like Don Aurelio and Nomarti. In 1958, it was changed into an LNG tanker. It carried gas from 1959 to 1972. Later, it was even renamed Aristotle.

The Ship's Journey

How the Ship Was Built

The Methane Pioneer started its life as a different ship. It was built in 1945 by Walter Butler Shipbuilders. This company was located in Duluth, Minnesota. The ship was made for the United States Maritime Commission. It was a type of cargo ship called a C1-M-AV1.

It was finished in July 1945 and named Marline Hitch. Soon after, World War II ended. In 1946, the ship was sold to a private owner. Its name was changed to Don Aurelio. In 1951, it got another new name, Normarti.

Becoming the Methane Pioneer

In 1958, the ship Normarti was owned by Norgulf Shipping Line. It was taken to the Alabama Drydock and Shipbuilding Company. This company was in Mobile, Alabama. There, the ship was completely changed. It became a special tanker.

The project was paid for by the British Gas Council. A new company was formed to run the ship. It was called Constock International Methane (CIM). This company was a partnership between Conoco and Union Stock Yards. In 1959, Shell joined them. The company's name then changed to Conch International Methane.

The newly rebuilt ship was finished in October 1958. It was given its most famous name, Methane Pioneer. This ship could carry 32,000 barrels of LNG. It was also given a special call sign, GBHU.

First Voyage Across the Ocean

The Methane Pioneer made its very first trip carrying LNG. It started from a place in Louisiana called the Calcasieu River. This was where the LNG was made.

On January 25, 1959, the ship left port. It was carrying the world's first ocean cargo of LNG. It sailed across the Atlantic Ocean. After 27 days, it reached its destination. This was Canvey Island in England. It arrived on February 20, 1959.

Later Years and Retirement

After its important first trip, the Methane Pioneer continued to work. It was later renamed Aristotle. The ship was operated by a company called Stephenson Clarke Shipping.

Between 1959 and 1972, the ship made 30 voyages. In 1972, it was taken out of service. It was then changed into a storage barge for LNG. Later that same year, the ship was taken apart and scrapped.