In the recent history of LNG systems, two container designs have emerged. There is a standing and a lying container design. Both variants are set up above ground. They have respective advantages and disadvantages.

The above-ground LNG containers have fire protection insulation in the lower area and are protected against mechanical damage due to complex and expensive collision protection. Particularly in the case of the standing LNG container, with a height of approx. 18 m, protection against mechanical damage (vehicle collisions, wind loads in extreme wind conditions and also from settlements, for example in the event of minor earthquakes, etc.) is to be regarded as critical.

An alternative is the option of storing the LNG tank underground.

For these reasons and based on many years of experience in the construction of liquid gas filling stations, the company PA-Salzgitter has developed an underground LNG container which, if required, can also be traversed over and stored in a liquid gas-tight roadway. With this container design, an LNG system can be implemented even in cramped spaces, such as are often found on the premises of public mineral oil filling stations.

Another serious advantage is that the adjacent soil serves as additional container insulation and that mechanical damage can be ruled out. This eliminates the costly foundation work. Furthermore, no expensive collision protection for the container is required.