Vitol has secured three LNG Bunkering Vessels (LNGBV) through its shipping company, Vitol International Shipping, aiming to expand its LNG bunkering operations.
The vessels were secured via a seven to ten year time charter agreement with Avenir and an order for two vessels at the CIMC Sinopacific Offshore & Engineering Co. Ltd shipyard in Nantong, China. According to Vitol, the time charter agreement with Avenir is for one newbuild 20,000m3 LNGBV.
The time charter will commence at delivery from the shipyard in China in Q4 2026 and will serve a period of seven years with options to extend up to ten years in total. Vitol also ordered one 12,500 m3 and one 20,000 m3 LNGBV at the CIMC SOE shipyard in China. The vessels will be delivered in Q4 2026 and Q3 2027 respectively.
Shipowners worldwide are looking to reduce their emissions. We are delighted to strengthen our offering to them by investing in LNG/bioLNG bunkering, thereby increasing their options.
… said Pablo Galante Escobar, head of LNG, EMEA gas & power, Vitol
The LNG bunkering process can be carried out through several methods, including truck-to-ship, ship-to-ship, and terminal-to-ship transfers, each offering varying levels of flexibility and capacity. As the global LNG supply infrastructure expands and the LNG-fuelled vessel orderbook grows, LNG bunkering is expected to become more prevalent, supporting the transition to greener shipping.
