Belgium's Somtrans tied to fresh 1+1 LNG bunker vessel contract in China

China’s Nantong CIMC Pacific Offshore Engineering (CIMC SOE) has recently signed a contract for the construction of one firm plus one optional 20,000-m³ LNG transport and bunkering vessel. The buyer has not been officially disclosed, but shipbroking and market sources have linked the order to Belgium-based Somtrans.

Somtrans describes itself as a tanker shipping company with fully owned barges, overseeing a fleet of 24 vessels, according to information on its website.

CIMC SOE stated the firm vessel is scheduled for delivery in September 2027, while the optional unit – if exercised – could be completed by December 2027. The shipyard noted this marks the sixth vessel of the same type secured so far. Both vessels will be powered by WinGD dual-fuel main engines featuring intelligent control by exhaust gas recycling technology. 

Somtrans was also reportedly linked to an earlier order for a single 20,000-m³ vessel, disclosed by CIMC SOE in April, which is expected to be delivered in April 2027. The owner has been contacted for comment regarding the reported transactions.

Chinese media report the latest deal was brokered by Dutch firm RensenDriessen Shipbuilding & Shipbrokers. Notably, the company announced this week it has entered the deepsea market by brokering two 20,000-m³ LNG tankers. According to the firm, the vessels are being built for a Northern European shipowner focused on LNG transport and distribution.

The LNG bunker vessel segment has seen a notable increase in newbuilding activity this year. Among the key players, Kriton Lendoudis-led Evalend Shipping and Spanish shipowner Ibaizabal have been linked to new orders placed at South Korea’s HD Hyundai Mipo shipyard.