Lloyd's Register (LR) has awarded Approval in Principle (AiP) to CSSC Huangpu Wenchong Shipbuilding Co., Ltd. for a new 12,500 m³ LNG bunkering vessel design, in a move that reflects continued investment in LNG infrastructure as shipowners seek practical fuel transition capabilities and operational flexibility.

LNG bunkering vessels serve as floating fuel-supply ships, transferring LNG to oceangoing vessels in ports and at anchorages where shore-based bunkering facilities are limited. Their availability is a key enabler for the growing fleet of dual-fuel LNG-fuelled ships, which shipowners have ordered in large numbers as a means of cutting carbon dioxide emissions and meeting tightening international greenhouse gas requirements, including the International Maritime Organization's carbon-intensity regulations.

The AiP was signed at SMM 2026 in Hamburg, the maritime industry's major biennial trade fair and a regular venue for shipbuilding and classification announcements. It confirms that the vessel concept has successfully completed an independent design assessment against LR's latest classification requirements.

The 12,500 m³ vessel design incorporates Type C LNG cargo tanks and has been evaluated against a comprehensive range of class notations covering gas operations, automation, environmental performance and cyber resilience.

LR's assessment was carried out in accordance with its Rules and Regulations for the Classification of Ships and its Rules and Regulations for the Construction and Classification of Ships for the Carriage of Liquefied Gas in Bulk.

The signing was attended by (l-r) Zuo Xiaoming, Deputy Manager of Huangpu Wenchong Business Department; Manuel Ortuno, Global Manager of Ship Structures Specialised Ships, Lloyd's Register; Panos Mitrou, Senior Vice President Shipping Strategy, Lloyd's Register; Jiang Yonggang, Assistant General Manager of Huangpu Wenchong; Lian Xiaodong, Project Manager, R&D Department at Huangpu Wenchong; and Ouyang Zhiliang, Project Manager of Huangpu Wenchong Business Department.

Constantinos Chaelis, LR's Global Gas Segment Director, said: "This project demonstrates the continued market confidence in LNG and the importance of building the supporting infrastructure that enables owners to make practical emissions reductions today, while maintaining flexibility for the future. Through early engagement between shipyard and class, we can accelerate the delivery of robust designs that meet both operational and regulatory requirements."

A Huangpu Wenchong spokesperson said: "This Approval in Principle from Lloyd's Register validates the technical approach and provides a strong foundation for future development. We believe vessels of this type will play an increasingly important role in supporting the energy transition by helping ensure LNG is available where shipowners need it most."

Source: Lloyd's Register