The article analyzes innovative activity in the technological direction of liquefied natural gas transportation based on trends in patent activity. An analysis of the dynamics of patenting new developments in this area showed a high level of innovative activity both on the part of major market players and in relation to individual authors. The study noted bursts of patent activity in certain periods associated with the development of scientific and technological progress. The most active national markets in this area are China, Japan and South Korea, but the European patent market also has potential for scaling. An assessment of the patent portfolios of companies has identified the most significant players in the market for liquefied natural gas transportation technologies in terms of the value of technical solutions patented by these companies: Daewoo Shipbuilding and Marine Engineering, Chugoku Electric Power, Hyundai Heavy Industries, Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Osaka Gas, Samsung Heavy Industries, Siemens. The authors give forecasts for the development of the considered technological niche in the corporate and regional context. The obtained results of the study can used in the formation of programs for the innovative development of organizations involved in the implementation of orders in the field of energy and transport.