Chinese shipbuilder Nantong CIMC Sinopacific Offshore & Engineering (CIMC SOE) has secured a contract to construct an LNG bunkering vessel for an unnamed European shipowner, according to Ship & Bunker.
The vessel, with a capacity of 6,000 cubic metres, will be used to supply LNG to ships calling at European ports, the company confirmed in an announcement last week, as reported by Ship & Bunker.
Strengthening a Growing Market Position
CIMC SOE said the new order reinforces its standing in the small- and medium-sized LNG bunker vessel segment, according to Ship & Bunker. The company also noted that the deal expands its footprint in overseas clean-energy vessel markets, adding to what it described as a growing portfolio of green shipping projects.
No delivery date for the vessel has been specified, Ship & Bunker reports.
Wider Industry Context
Ship & Bunker notes that as more LNG-fuelled vessels join the global fleet, demand for LNG bunkering capacity is expected to increase. According to data from classification society DNV, cited by Ship & Bunker, the current global LNG bunkering fleet stands at 67 vessels, with an additional 42 expected to enter service by 2029.
Does This Matter to You?
The expansion of the LNG bunkering fleet is directly tied to the growth of LNG as a marine fuel across European ports. As noted in the source material, the addition of new LNG bunkering vessels reflects rising demand tied to the increasing number of LNG-fuelled ships entering service globally.
For those monitoring bunkering infrastructure and fuel availability trends in Europe, this development, along with the broader fleet growth figures cited by DNV, offers an indication of how bunkering capacity is being scaled to meet future LNG demand. The source material does not specify further operational details, such as the vessel’s home port or delivery schedule, so the direct impact on specific trade routes or supply chains remains unclear at this stage.
Gulf Bunkering does not provide operational or security guidance. This article is for informational purposes only. Operators should consult flag state authorities, P&I clubs, and relevant advisories for decisions relating to transit planning.
Sources: Ship & Bunker
