Jiangnan to build one LNG bunkering vessel for SIPG

According to a statement by Jiangnan on Tuesday, the CSSC-controlled shipbuilder won the bid to build a 20,000 cbm LNG bunkering vessel for Shanghai Port Energy, a unit of SIPG.

Jiangnan said this award marks its return to the construction of gas carriers equipped with C tanks after two years, and its entry into the LNG bunkering vessel market.

The new bunkering vessel will feature three type C tanks, an electric propulsion system, bow thruster, GCU (gas combustion unit), high-load compressor, and smart ship technology.

Jiangnan said the LNG bunkering vessel is scheduled for delivery in the first half of 2027.

The shipbuilder did not provide the price tag of the deal.

LNG Prime was the first to report last month, citing shipbuilding sources, that SIPG had sent enquiries to Chinese shipbuilders for the construction of one LNG bunkering newbuild.

The company’s joint venture with Shenergy, Shanghai SIPG Energy Service (SSES), already operates the 20,000-cbm bunkering vessel Hai Gang Wei Lai.

Small-scale player Avenir took delivery of this vessel from China’s CIMC SOE in December 2021, and subsequently sold it to the Chinese firm.

In March 2022, the SSES completed the first LNG bunkering operation with this vessel under its long-term deal with French shipping giant CMA CGM.

Last year, SSES also completed the first bunkering operation to an MSC containership with the large LNG bunkering vessel, while SIPG also signed a deal with South Korea’s HMM to bunker its vessels with LNG and methanol.

SSES also delivers LNG fuel to vessels owned by Eastern Pacific Shipping and PIL.

In December 2024, SSES reached a new bunkering record when Hai Gang Wei Lai bunkered 11 ships.