Avenir LNG switches from one Nantong shipyard to another
Written by Nick BlenkeyAvenir LNG Ltd has signed contracts with Nantong CIMC Sinopacific Offshore & Engineering Co. Ltd. (SOE) for the construction of two 7,500 cbm LNG carriers, at its Nantong, China shipyard, with options to build two more.
The order for the 7,500 cu. m LNG ships replaces a previous option to build two additional ships at Keppel Singmarine’s Nantong shipyard which has been canceled by mutual agreement.
Delivery of the two LNGC newbuildings from SOE is scheduled for May and August 2021. The ships are designed to include ice class 1B, full bunker functionality, double hull and dual fuel electric twin azimuth propulsion.
Avenir’s orderbook for new buildings remains unchanged, with a total of six vessels, four 7500 cbm LNGC’s and two 20,000 cbm LNGC’s, currently under construction.
Avenir has existing contracts in place with SOE for two 20,000 cu.m LNGs. These are scheduled for delivery in first quarter 2021.The contracts also include options to build two (plus two) additional 20,000 cu.m LNGCs.
Avenir says that SOE is one of China’s most experienced gas carrier shipbuilding yards having built eight multi-gas carriers for Evergas and the world’s largest ethylene carrier.
Avenir LNG was originally formed by Stolt-Nielsen in 2017 to pursue of opportunities in small-scale LNG and is 50% owned by Stolt-Nielsen with Golar LNG Ltd and Höegh LNG Holdings Ltd each holding a 25% stake.