Harvey Gulf is placing a bet on the cruise sector's future use of LNG while looking to expand into international markets.

The US privately owned company's Quality Liquefied Natural Gas Transport signed a letter of intent with VT Halter Marine to build an 8,000-cbm bunkering vessel on speculation for passengerships.

"With the past and recent announcements by major cruise lines to build and deliver LNG-powered cruiseships in the US market, Q-LNG is committed to deliver the safest, most cost-effective solution to the cruise line industry," chief executive Shane Guidry said.