Recently, Nantong CIMC Sinopacific Offshore & Engineering Co., Ltd. (hereinafter referred to as "CIMC SOE") has achieved significant breakthroughs in the LNG bunker vessel sector, successively signing construction contracts for multiple LNG bunker vessels with European shipowners Purus and GSX Energy. This further solidifies its leading position in the global small and medium-sized liquefied gas carrier construction market.
18,900m³ LNG bunkering vessel order finalized, partnering with Purus and Shell to expand LNG bunkering network
CIMC SOE signed a contract with European shipowner Purus for two 18,900-cubic-meter LNG bunker vessels. These vessels will be chartered to Shell to support the expansion of its LNG bunkering capabilities.
Reportedly, these new vessel designs have an overall length under 140 meters, are equipped with two IMO Type C tanks, and feature a high storage pressure design that significantly enhances operational flexibility and economy. Fitted with ultra-low methane slip engines and a high-voltage shore power system, they can substantially reduce lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions, fully aligning with the International Maritime Organization (IMO) emission reduction requirements. To achieve excellent maneuverability for these LNG bunker vessels, the CIMC SOE R&D team developed a dual-fuel diesel-electric (DFDE) propulsion solution. This includes shortening the overall hull length (LOA), equipping two high-power bow thrusters, and specially optimizing the hull lines to significantly improve operational efficiency at low speeds and over short routes.
As global carbon reduction efforts accelerate, LNG's role as a transitional fuel is increasingly solidified, driving sustained growth in demand for efficient, low-carbon bunkering infrastructure. Upon delivery, these vessels will effectively enhance Shell's LNG bunkering network coverage in key European and global ports, facilitating the shift of more vessels from conventional fuels to clean energy.
Cooperation with GSX Energy to establish new benchmark for 20,000m³ LNG bunkering
In another significant development, CIMC SOE formally signed a contract with GSX Energy for 2+2 20,000-cubic-meter LNG bunker vessels. As an important participant in the green transition of shipping, GSX Energy, based on its strategic assessment of the long-term growth potential of the LNG bunker vessel market, chose to partner with the internationally leading LNG bunker vessel shipbuilder CIMC SOE to jointly promote the low-carbon development of global shipping.
It is reported that GSX Energy was jointly established by several internationally renowned shipping companies and holds a long-term positive outlook on the development prospects of the LNG bunker vessel market. Selecting CIMC SOE as the partner reflects not only GSX Energy's high standards for LNG bunker vessel construction quality but also its strategic consideration to ensure the efficient realization of the design by leveraging a world-class shipbuilder.
CIMC SOE will strictly execute the construction based on the complete design provided by GSX Energy, ensuring the vessel performance meets international standards. This cooperation not only aids GSX Energy in understanding LNG bunker vessel requirements but also provides a significant opportunity for CIMC SOE to consolidate its market position in the LNG bunker vessel construction sector. Through this order, the company will systematically assess market feedback on LNG bunker vessels with different configurations, providing empirical data for subsequent optimization of its own products.
Looking ahead, CIMC SOE will continue to collaborate with industry partners to jointly build a greener and more efficient shipping infrastructure, providing solid support for the global maritime energy transition!
