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China Merchants Energy Shipping unveils 22 LNG carrier newbuild plan

Photo: John Foreman LNG carrier in Johor Strait near MMHE
LNG carrier in Johor Strait near MMHE
China Merchants Energy Shipping (CMES) is planning to build and invest in up to 22 LNG carriers.

The company will set up four joint venture single-ship companies with K Line and China Merchants Commerce Leasing for the construction of four 174,000 cu m LNG carriers for Malaysia LNG transportation projects.

CLNG, the jointly venture set up by China Merchants Energy Shipping and Cosco Shipping Energy Transportation, will also establish joint venture with NYK, Kline and MISC for the construction of 12 LNG carriers for Qatar Energy.

Last week, Hudong-Zhonghua Shipbuilding bagged six 174,000cu m LNG carriers order from NYK for CNOOC’s energy project. China Merchants Energy Shipping was one of the investment parities.

CMES’ massive LNG carrier investment plan is likely to bring substantial newbuilding orders to the Chinese yards.  

In the first quarter of 2022, CMES inked contract with Dalian Shipbuilding Industry for the construction of two plus two 175,000 cu m LNG carries, to further improve the company’s LNG fleet structure.