Avenir LNG confirms that it has begun construction of a new LNG bunkering vessel in China.

The keel-laying ceremony took place on 24 July, marking the formal start of the vessel's construction at Nantong CIMC Sinopacific Offshore & Engineering (CIMC SOE).

Avenir LNG is a leading supplier of LNG and liquefied biomethane (bio-LNG) as marine fuel. Of the five vessels currently in operation, the 20,000-cbm Avenir Achievement, the 7,500-cbm Avenir Advantage and 7,500-cbm Avenir Accolade are chartered to Shell, Petronas LNG, and New Fortress Energy, respectively.

The 7,500-cbm Avenir Aspiration was chartered by LNG Shipping S.p.A., a wholly owned subsidiary of Eni, in a multi-year time charter commencing in 2025.

And the Avenir Ascension, also with a 7,500-cbm capacity, is chartered by Avenir's London-based physical LNG trading division, Avenir Supply and Trading.

As previously reported, the keel of a new 20,000-cbm LNG carrier and bunkering vessel for Avenir LNG was laid on 27 March.