Nantong CIMC Sinopacific Offshore & Engineering (CIMC SOE) on Friday (30 January) held a steel cutting ceremony for a 20,000 cubic metre (m3) LNG carrier and bunkering vessel, constructed for Somtralux SA.
The ceremony was witnessed by Yves Pauwels, General Manager of the shipowner Somtralux SA, Marian Alexandru, Site Manager of the supervising company EXMAR, Zhan Dongliang and Li Jun, representatives from DNV GL, Wen Zhengqing, Director of the Ship Marketing Department, Shen Jiaming, Deputy Director of the Ship Marketing Department, and members of the company’s project team.
The LNG bunkering vessel is 160 metres long and 25 metres wide, with a design speed of 15.5 knots. According to the shipbuilder, it will be one of the major LNG bunkering vessel types globally and is currently the world’s largest LNG bunkering vessel.
The vessel is equipped with a WINGD dual-fuel main engine featuring iCER technology and can be optionally fitted with a high-voltage shore power system, significantly reducing pollution and greenhouse gas emissions throughout its lifecycle.
Nantong CIMC Sinopacific Offshore & Engineering co. ltd (CIMC SOE) said it will continue to focus on the research and development and construction of green ships and clean energy equipment.
“The successful commencement of construction of this 20,000 cubic meter LNG bunkering vessel further solidifies the company’s position in the global gas carrier industry,” the company said.
Photo credit: Nantong CIMC Sinopacific Offshore & Engineering
Published: 3 February, 2026
