Avenir LNG orders two LNG bunker vessels

UK-based LNG supplier Avenir LNG has ordered two LNG bunker supply vessels with 20,000 cbm capacity each.

PHOTO: Avenir LNG's bunker vessel, Avenir Achievement. Avenir LNG

Chinese shipyard Nantong CIMC Sinopacific Offshore & Engineering will deliver the vessels between 2026-2027.

The vessels are designed to be equipped with equipment to maximise cargo space and minimise cargo losses. The company has not specified where these bunker vessels will be deployed upon delivery or whether they will also be LNG-powered.

“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,” Jonathan Quinn, managing director of Avenir LNG said.

Avenir LNG estimated global LNG bunker demand to rise to around 5.7 million mt this year and even further to 8.3 million mt by next year, according to its LNG’s investor update report in February. The report projected that at least 31 additional LNG bunker vessels will need to be operational by the end of next year to meet the expected rise in LNG bunker demand growth.

“Modelling demand scenarios and available vessel supply indicates significant shortage and call on newbuilds from 2025,” the report said.

Currently, there are 55 LNG bunker vessels in operation, and another 13 bunker vessels are on order with deliveries scheduled towards 2028, according to DNV's database.

By Konica Bhatt

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