TotalEnergies is expanding its LNG bunkering fleet with up to two newbuilds in China. The French energy giant has contracted state-owned Hudong-Zhonghua Shipbuilding to construct one firm 18,600 cu m vessel, with an option for an additional unit.
Several shipowners, including Avenir and Japan’s Mitsui OSK Lines (MOL), competed for the project, which was ultimately awarded to Spain’s Grupo Ibaizabal. The cost of the nearly 136-meter-long vessel, expected for delivery by the end of 2026, has not been disclosed.
This order signifies TotalEnergies’ return to Hudong-Zhonghua after previously collaborating with MOL on two similarly sized LNG ships for its bunkering unit, TotalEnergies Marine Fuels.