China’s CIMC SOE inks deal to build up to two LNG bunkering vessels

According to a statement by CIMC SOE on Wednesday, the two firms signed a letter of intent for one firm and one optional vessel.

The LNG bunkering and supply vessels will have a capacity of 12,000 cbm.

CIMC SOE said the dual-purpose ship will feature two type C tanks each with a capacity of 6,000 cbm.

The ship adopts a shallow draught design, and it is equipped with an electric propulsion system, it said.

Upon completion, the shipbuilder said the vessel will mainly undertake refueling of LNG-powered ships in coastal areas, inland river refueling stations, and LNG transshipment at Yangtze River transfer stations.

CIMC SOE did not provide the pricing details or the delivery dates.

Earlier this year, Geneva-based energy trader Vitol ordered two LNG bunkering vessels from CIMC SOE.

CIMC SOE will build for Vitol’s unit Vitol International Shipping one 12,500-cbm and one 20,000-cbm LNG bunkering vessel.

According to Vitol, the company will take delivery of the vessels in the fourth quarter of 2026 and the third quarter of 2027.

In addition to the order, the trader also signed a seven-year charter deal for one LNG bunkering vessel with UK-based small-scale player Avenir LNG.

CIMC SOE is also building this 20,000-cbm vessel which will start serving Vitol in the fourth quarter of 2026.