China’s Nantong CIMC Sinopacific Offshore & Engineering (CIMC SOE) has begun construction on two additional LNG bunkering vessels for GSX Energy, according to Ship & Bunker.
The shipbuilder held a steel-cutting ceremony on August 21, marking the start of work on the third and fourth vessels in a series being built for the energy company, Ship & Bunker reports, citing a press release from CIMC SOE issued on Friday. Construction of the first vessel in the series began in May, while work on the second vessel started on August 10.
Vessel Specifications
Each of the 20,000 m3 LNG bunkering vessels measures 159 metres in length with a 25-metre beam, according to Ship & Bunker. The vessels are designed for a service speed of 13 knots and will be equipped with Wartsila dual-fuel main engines alongside 1,300 kW shaft generators.
The ships will also feature dual-fuel boilers with gas combustion unit functionality, Ship & Bunker notes. Beyond their core function of LNG bunkering and carriage, the vessels have been designed with ice-class requirements built into their specifications.
Contract Background
CIMC SOE and GSX Energy signed the agreement covering this vessel series in October 2025, according to Ship & Bunker. The shipbuilder has not disclosed delivery dates for any of the four vessels currently under construction.
Does This Matter to You?
The expansion of purpose-built LNG bunkering tonnage reflects the continued build-out of infrastructure supporting LNG as a marine fuel. As more dual-fuel vessels enter global fleets, dedicated bunkering vessels like these play a role in enabling ship-to-ship LNG transfers in ports and at anchorages.
For operators of LNG-fuelled vessels, additional bunkering capacity from providers like GSX Energy could eventually translate into more flexible refuelling options in regions served by this fleet. However, since CIMC SOE has not disclosed delivery timelines or the vessels’ intended deployment areas, the direct operational impact for specific trade routes or ports remains unclear based on available information.
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
