CIMC SOE Delivers 12,500 m³ LNG Bunkering Vessel

en.Wedoany.com Reported - On November 1, the 12,500 m³ LNG carrier and bunkering vessel "VIVIT ASIA LNG" (Project No.: S1093), built by Nantong CIMC Sinopacific Offshore & Engineering Co., Ltd. for a Singaporean shipowner, departed the quay and was officially delivered for service. The shipowner is Vitol International Shipping, a subsidiary of commodity trading firm Vitol Group.

The vessel delivered this time is the first of two LNG bunkering vessels ordered by Vitol in 2024, rather than a single isolated order. The shipbuilding contract announced in mid-2024 covers one 12,500 m³ LNG bunkering vessel (the vessel delivered this time) and one 20,000 m³ LNG carrier and bunkering vessel, with the latter scheduled for delivery in the third quarter of 2027. Both vessels adopt CIMC SOE's latest LNG bunkering vessel design, with concept design and production design completed independently by the shipyard, and are equipped with high-efficiency electric propulsion systems to meet the precise maneuvering requirements of LNG bunkering operations. The 12,500 m³ vessel delivered this time has a deadweight of 7,500 tonnes and a gross tonnage of 12,888, and flies the Singapore flag.

The vessel's core equipment configuration forms a complete functional closed loop across three levels: cargo handling, automation and maneuvering. The cargo system and the LNG dual-fuel main engine are both supplied by Wärtsilä, with the main engine capable of operating in both LNG and fuel oil modes; the integrated automation system (IAS) is provided by Hoglund and is integrated with the cargo handling system (CHS) and the gas supply system (EGSS), enabling cargo loading and unloading, gas supply and navigation control to operate under the same control architecture; the bow thruster and rudder propeller propulsion units are supplied by Schottel for low-speed maneuvering in complex port areas. This equipment combination corresponds to the dual operational scenario of "transport + bunkering": the vessel needs both to transport LNG from receiving terminals to bunkering points and to maintain precise position control when mooring alongside other vessels.

The vessel's commercial operating arrangements were finalized before delivery. According to Vitol International Shipping, the two LNG bunkering vessels including this one have signed 7- to 10-year time charter agreements with Avenir LNG Limited. In July 2026, Vitol Bunkers obtained an LNG marine fuel supply licence granted by the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA). After delivery, the vessel will support Vitol Bunkers in launching LNG bunkering operations in Singapore and other Asian markets, with its Asian bunkering operations supported by a fully contracted regional supply chain and Vitol's global LNG portfolio. The sea trials prior to delivery were completed in October 2026.