Avenir LNG has started construction on its second 20,000 m3 LNG bunkering vessel, marking another milestone in the company’s fleet expansion, according to Ship & Bunker.
The keel laying ceremony took place on July 24 at Nantong CIMC Sinopacific Offshore & Engineering in China, where the vessel is being built. Ship & Bunker reports that Avenir LNG announced the development in a LinkedIn post, describing the keel laying as the official start of the vessel’s assembly.
Collaboration Highlighted
According to Ship & Bunker, Avenir LNG’s LinkedIn post emphasized the collaborative effort behind the project, noting the partnership between the company, its project partners, and the shipyard. The company stated it looks forward to seeing the vessel “take shape over the coming months,” as reported by Ship & Bunker.
This latest construction start follows closely on the heels of another milestone for the company. Ship & Bunker had previously reported that Avenir LNG launched a separate 20,000 m3 LNG bunkering vessel, named Avenir Ambition, just last week.
Fleet Expansion Continues
According to information from Avenir LNG’s website cited by Ship & Bunker, the company currently operates five LNG bunkering vessels, with some vessels run directly by Avenir LNG and others chartered out to other companies. Two additional vessels, including the newbuild that just began construction, are scheduled for delivery this year and next year, Ship & Bunker notes.
Does This Matter to You?
The continued expansion of LNG bunkering infrastructure reflects ongoing growth in the LNG-as-marine-fuel segment. For those monitoring alternative fuel availability and bunkering capacity, developments in dedicated LNG bunker vessel fleets can signal shifts in regional supply capabilities as more vessels enter service.
As Avenir LNG adds vessels to its fleet through 2026 and 2027, this may be relevant context for those tracking LNG bunkering infrastructure development and the broader transition toward alternative marine fuels. The source material does not specify which ports or regions the new vessels will serve, so specific operational impacts remain 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
