Purus, GSX Energy firm up LNG bunker vessel orders at CIMC SOE

The shipyard confirmed to Riviera a contract has been agreed with shipowner Purus for two 18,900-m³ vessels, with deliveries scheduled for 2028. Shell has also announced via social media that it will charter this new pair, which will expand the company’s LNG bunker fleet to 14 vessels, with an additional four ships currently under construction. Shell operates the world’s largest LNG bunkering network, spanning 28 key locations across 13 countries.

This order marks Purus’ entry into the LNG bunker vessel market. The owner currently operates a fleet of 17 gas carriers, including vessels under construction, covering ammonia/LPG, LNG and ethane carriers.

Additionally, GSX Energy has placed an order with CIMC SOE for two firm plus two optional 20,000-m³ LNG bunker vessels. The shipbuilder noted GSX Energy is a joint venture of several international shipping companies and is optimistic about the long-term growth prospects of the LNG bunker vessel market.

CIMC SOE has already delivered nine vessels in the first half of 2025 and plans a total of 18 by year-end. By the end of the third quarter, the value of newly signed orders for the year had exceeded US$1.1Bn.

Market momentum

The LNG bunker vessel market has attracted considerable attention this year, with newbuilding contracts emerging in China and South Korea.

Analysts attribute this surge to anticipated growth in the LNG dual-fuel fleet. Observers note that over 1,150 LNG dual-fuel vessels are expected to be in operation by 2028, with LNG bunkering demand projected to surpass 50M tonnes annually by 2045. This underscores the urgent need for modern, compliant bunkering infrastructure.