On August 21, Nantong CIMC Sinopacific Offshore & Engineering Co., Ltd. (CIMC SOE) held a groundbreaking ceremony for a 20,000 cbm LNG bunkering vessel for GSX ENERGY LIMITED (GSX ENERGY).
The two vessels whose construction has now begun are the third and fourth in a series of 20,000 cbm LNG bunkering vessels being built by CIMC SOE for GSX ENERGY. Previously, construction of the first vessel in the series began in May of this year, and the second vessel was successfully launched on August 10.
This series of 20,000 cbm LNG carrier and bunkering vessels has an overall length of 159 meters, a beam of 25 meters, and a design speed of 13 knots. The vessels are equipped with one Wärtsilä dual-fuel main engine and one 1,300-kilowatt shaft generator, which can meet the vessel’s power requirements during normal operation; a high-voltage shore power system can also be optionally installed at a later stage.
Notably, the vessel innovatively incorporates a dual-fuel boiler with GCU functionality and is designed to meet the requirements of navigation in ice-prone waters. While the vessel is at berth, the evaporated gas can be used for cabin heating, thereby maximizing the efficiency of LNG fuel utilization.
Against the backdrop of accelerating global efforts to reduce emissions in the shipping industry, market demand for LNG bunkering vessels—a critical link in the clean fuel supply chain—remains strong. Leveraging its long-standing expertise in the small- and medium-sized gas carrier sector, CIMC SOE is continuously consolidating its competitive edge in the global market through a steady pace of new construction and reliable delivery capabilities, thereby helping to build a safe and reliable clean energy supply chain for the shipping industry.