Sinopec Clean Energy, the Beijing-based clean-fuels arm of Chinese energy giant Sinopec, has ordered a dedicated LNG bunkering vessel at a domestic yard, joining a growing list of owners betting on the segment's rapid expansion. The Beijing-based company confirmed that Nantong CIMC Sinopacific Offshore & Engineering (CIMC SOE) will build a 12,000 cu m LNG bunker ship under a contract valued at around RMB565m ($83m).
The order was awarded through Sinopec Clean Energy's 2026 LNG bunkering vessel tender process. The move places Sinopec among a growing group of Chinese and international players positioning for LNG fuel logistics as demand rises from both shipping and offshore energy users.
CIMC SOE, part of CIMC Enric, has been one of the most active yards in the LNG bunker segment. The latest Sinopec order adds to a growing orderbook that already includes multiple vessels up to the 20,000 cu m range. According to figures released by CIMC SOE earlier this year, the shipbuilder had orders for 10 LNG bunker vessels of 20,000 cu m and three vessels of 18,900 cu m.
Industry data shows LNG bunker vessel contracting has accelerated sharply, with close to 30 units ordered in 2025 alone — more than double the previous annual record of around 15 vessels in 2024. The trend underscores owners' growing appetite for alternative-fuel infrastructure capacity.
Key Takeaways:
1. Sinopec Clean Energy ordered a 12,000 cu m LNG bunker vessel at CIMC SOE.
2. The contract is valued at approximately RMB565m or $83m.
3. The order was placed through Sinopec's 2026 LNG bunkering vessel tender process.
4. CIMC SOE's orderbook holds 10 vessels of 20,000 cu m and three of 18,900 cu m.
5. Industry contracting hit nearly 30 LNG bunker vessels in 2025, double the 2024 record of around 15.
