BW confirms new LNG carrier move

LNG Prime reported on Wednesday, citing shipbuilding sources, that BW LNG had ordered two newbuilds, each featuring three tanks instead of four, for approximately $508 million from the Korean yard.

BW LNG announced on Thursday that it is expanding its fleet with two additional LNG newbuildings from HD Hyundai Samho, with deliveries scheduled in 2029.

This follows an earlier order for two newbuildings in November 2025, scheduled for delivery in the fourth quarter of 2028.

Together, the four sister vessels represent the “next-generation design of efficient LNG shipping,” BW LNG said.

“The vessels will feature the industry’s first large-scale three-tank design in LNG, offering increased cargo capacity and lower boil-off, whilst maintaining full operational flexibility,” it said.

BW LNG noted that it has worked with France’s LNG containment specialists GTT and HD Hyundai Heavy Industries on the three-tank design to ensure it “meets and even surpasses required standards.”

“The vessels are designed to deliver highly competitive unit freight cost with greater flexibility to meet evolving global LNG market requirements,” BW LNG said.

The sister vessels will be equipped with the latest energy-efficient technologies, including XDF 2.2 propulsion with VCR, shaft generators, and a full reliquefaction system, it said.

As previously reported, the four new vessels (H8340, H8341, H8358, and H8359) will each have a capacity of 177,000 cbm, and not 174,000 cbm.

According to its website, BW currently has 30 LNG carriers in its fleet, including the four on order.

In addition to LNG carriers, BW LNG also operates four FSRUs.