Avenir LNG Ltd has entered into a shipbuilding contract with Nantong CIMC Sinopacific Offshore & Engineering (SOE) in China, a subsidiary of CIMC Enric, for two 20,000cbm LNG bunker and supply vessels.
The vessels are scheduled to be delivered in the fourth quarter of 2026 and in the first quarter of 2027.
The newbuildings will feature new Type C tank designs, lower boil off rates, the latest engine technologies, hull form optimisation, and subcoolers, which will offer carbon emission reductions and minimise cargo losses compared to other vessels of this size, as the company claims in its statement.
The vessel design enables maximum compatibility and versatility for loading and discharging LNG and BioLNG to a wide range of receiving vessels and terminals.
This major new investment programme marks a significant move for the company, increasing its fleet by 40% and 80% in terms of total capacity.
The shipowner currently has in the fleet portfolio five modern LNG bunker and supply vessels, with two vessels under construction, and a small-scale LNG terminal in Sardinia, Italy.
Jonathan Quinn, managing director of Avenir LNG Ltd, said: “We are pleased to be returning to SOE for our newbuilding programme and continuing our relationship with the shipyard where we successfully built our last four vessels.
“We look forward to welcoming these two new state-of-the-art vessels to our fleet in 2026 and 2027.
“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 decarbonising global shipping markets.”
