The aim of present paper was to experimentally investigate the dynamic strength characteristics of LNG cargo containment system under impact loads. A series of impact tests for full-scale membrane-type LNG insulation system has been undertaken using a custom-built drop test facility as varying height and weight of the drop object. Based on a series of repeated drop tests, displacement recovery was measured for the assessment of damping characteristic of insulation system. Crack initiation was also measured during the cyclic drop test. (C) 2008 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.