- Chinese shipyard Nantong CIMC Sinopacific Offshore & Engineering is set to deliver two new LNG bunker vessels between 2026 and 2027.
- The vessels will be equipped with advanced technology to maximize cargo space and minimize cargo losses, although specifics about their deployment and whether they will also be LNG-powered remain undisclosed.
- Jonathan Quinn, managing director of Avenir LNG, highlighted the growing demand for LNG and BioLNG as bunker fuels, stressing the vessels’ crucial role in ensuring supply security and aiding in the decarbonization of global shipping markets.
- Avenir LNG’s investor update report from February forecasts a rise in global LNG bunker demand from 5.7 million metric tons this year to 8.3 million metric tons next year, necessitating at least 31 additional LNG bunker vessels by the end of the following year to meet this increase.
New LNG Bunker Vessels Set for Delivery in 2026-2027
Chinese shipyard Nantong CIMC Sinopacific Offshore & Engineering will deliver the vessels between 2026-2027.
The vessels are designed to be equipped with equipment to maximize cargo space and minimize cargo losses. The company has not specified where these bunker vessels will be deployed upon delivery or whether they will also be LNG-powered.
“With the demand for LNG and BioLNG as a bunker fuel set to grow over the next decade, these vessels will play a vital role in ensuring security of supply and decarbonizing global shipping markets,” Jonathan Quinn, managing director of Avenir LNG said.
LNG Demand Drives Need for More Bunker Vessels
Avenir LNG estimated global LNG bunker demand to rise to around 5.7 million mt this year and even further to 8.3 million mt by next year, according to its LNG’s investor update report in February. The report projected that at least 31 additional LNG bunker vessels will need to be operational by the end of next year to meet the expected rise in LNG bunker demand growth.
“Modelling demand scenarios and available vessel supply indicate significant shortage and call on newbuilds from 2025,” the report said.
Currently, there are 55 LNG bunker vessels in operation, and another 13 bunker vessels are on order with deliveries scheduled towards 2028, according to DNV’s database.
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Source: engine
