Three new LNG bunkering vessels enlarge Chinese player’s orderbook

February 6, 2026, by Melisa Cavcic

China-headquartered engineering player Nantong CIMC Sinopacific Offshore & Engineering (CIMC SOE) has received orders for three liquefied natural gas (LNG) bunkering vessels.

CIMC SOE has secured orders for two 20,000-cubic-meter LNG bunkering vessels and one 18,900-cubic-meter LNG bunker vessel, which are interpreted to strengthen the Chinese firm’s foothold in the clean energy vessel construction sector and demonstrate its sustained competitiveness in the international LNG bunker vessel market.

Currently, the firm’s orderbook for the 20,000-cubic-meter LNG bunker vessel model has reached a cumulative total of ten ships, while orders for the 18,900-cubic-meter LNG bunker vessel model now stand at three ships. The company is progressing steadily on the first type, maintaining a tight and orderly production schedule.

The second series of bunker vessels are also prepared for production and are expected to begin construction in the second half of this year, further optimizing the Chinese player’s product portfolio and construction rhythm.

The firm underlined: “Through the parallel construction and staggered delivery of multiple vessel types, CIMC SOE is gradually establishing a rhythmic and serialized production system for liquefied gas carriers.

“This not only enables flexible responses to diverse client needs but also lays a solid foundation for continuously securing follow-up orders and consolidating its leading market position.”

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The company claims to be continuously optimizing vessel designs and applying green technologies such as dual-fuel electric propulsion to assist shipowners in achieving low-carbon transition in shipping.

CIMC SOE said: “The acquisition of these new orders for the two vessel types not only reflects the international market’s high recognition of the company’s design and construction capabilities but also provides important support for deepening its LNG bunker vessel product series and accumulating operational experience for various scenarios.”

Given the accelerating energy transition in the global shipping industry, the firm explains that the demand for specialized and high-efficiency LNG bunkering infrastructure is continuing to grow.

CIMC SOE plans to continue to collaborate with industry partners to promote the innovation and application of green vessel technologies, jointly building cleaner and more sustainable shipping infrastructure and contributing to global maritime emission reduction efforts.