What was the name of the first LNG carrier, which transported liquefied natural gas in 1959?

Methane Pioneer was the first LNG carrier, transporting liquefied natural gas in 1959.

The vessel began life as a cargo ship named Marline Hitch. It was converted to carry LNG in insulated tanks, allowing natural gas to be cooled to about −162 °C and transported as a liquid.

In January 1959, Methane Pioneer carried LNG from Lake Charles, Louisiana, to Canvey Island in the United Kingdom. The voyage demonstrated that LNG could be shipped safely across the ocean and helped establish the modern international LNG trade.

Methane Pioneer was not the first vessel ever to carry refrigerated gas in any form, but it is recognized for pioneering ocean transport of liquefied natural gas. Modern LNG carriers are much larger and use specialized containment systems, yet they follow the same basic principle demonstrated by this ship.