Avenir LNG switches order for LNG carrier duo from Keppel to SOE

Avenir LNG, a joint venture set up by Stolt-Nielsen Limited, Golar LNG and Höegh LNG, has replaced Keppel Singmarine as the preferred builder of two 7,500 cbm carriers with Nantong CIMC Sinopacific Offshore & Engineering (SOE).

Avenir LNG signed shipbuilding contracts on Friday, April 12, for two LNG carriers, including options for two more, with Nantong CIMC Sinopacific Offshore & Engineering (SOE).

The shipbuilder would construct the 7,500 cbm carriers at its shipyard in Nantong, China, and deliver the newbuildings in May and August 2021, respectively.

The ships are designed to include ice class 1B, full bunker functionality, double hull and dual fuel electric twin azimuth propulsion.

The company added that the orders were placed after the company reached a mutual agreement with Keppel Singmarine to cancel the options to build its third and fourth 7,500 cbm carriers at Keppel Nantong.

Avenir is still scheduled to take delivery of two 7,500 cbm LNG carriers already on order from Keppel Singmarine in December 2019 and March 2020.

The company also said that the new order replaces the canceled options and that its orderbook remains unchanged, with a total of six vessels – four 7,500 cbm and two 20,000 cbm LNG carriers – currently under construction.

Avenir has existing contracts in place with SOE for two 20,000 cbm LNGs, set for delivery in the first quarter of 2021. The contracts also include options for the construction of 2 + 2 additional 20,000 cbm LNG carriers.