H-Line Shipping signs contract for LNG bunker vessel with HJSC

On 31 July, HJ Shipbuilding & Construction (HJSC) announced it has secured a contract for an 18,000-m³ LNG bunker vessel, scheduled for delivery by the end of 2027. The contract, valued at nearly US$88M, lists H-Line Shipping as the confirmed counterparty. Shipbuilding sources noted the project is government-related and intended to serve a local port.

H-Line Shipping specialises in transporting raw materials and energy resources, including iron ore, coal and LNG.This is not the first time the two companies have partnered. In February, HJSC disclosed a similar contract with H-Line Shipping for an 18,000-m³ vessel at the same cost. However, the deal was terminated in May at the request of the shipowner. Both parties have been contacted for comment.

At the time of the original contract, HJSC highlighted the vessel would feature two independent IMO-certified LNG tanks and LNG dual-fuel propulsion. 

Newbuilding momentum continues

The broader LNG bunker vessel market continues to show strong momentum in 2025. In mid-June, Shanghai International Port Group signed a contract with Jiangnan Shipyard – a subsidiary of China State Shipbuilding Corp – for a 20,000-m³ vessel.

Shortly before that, Belgium-based Somtrans was linked to a one-plus-one deal for 20,000-m³ LNG transport and bunker vessels at China’s Nantong CIMC Pacific Offshore Engineering.

Additionally, new orders have been attributed to Evalend Shipping, led by Kriton Lendoudis, and Spanish shipowner Ibaizabal, both reportedly signing contracts with South Korea’s HD Hyundai Mipo shipyard.