Bureau Veritas Approves New LNG Bunker Vessel Design
Bureau Veritas (BV), a prominent classification society based in France, has granted approval for the design of a 25,000 cbm liquefied natural gas (LNG) bunker vessel developed by China’s Hudong Zhonghua Shipbuilding. This significant milestone was announced during a maritime event in Milan, Italy. The vessel aims to enhance operational efficiency and reduce costs through advanced technologies and design improvements.
Innovative Design and Collaboration
The newly approved LNG bunker vessel is a collaborative effort between Hudong Zhonghua Shipbuilding and Gaztransport & Technigaz (GTT), a French specialist in technological containment. The vessel is designed to be 160 meters long, 25 meters wide, and 16 meters deep. This project was initially introduced earlier this summer, focusing on optimizing the design and performance of LNG bunkering vessels.
According to GTT officials, the primary goal of this initiative is to improve operational efficiency while significantly lowering operating costs. The vessel’s design incorporates the MARK III containment system, which features enhanced design pressure technology. This innovation is expected to greatly increase the pressure accumulation capacity of the MARK III membrane, resulting in a vessel that is both highly efficient and reliable for bunkering next-generation LNG-powered ships.
Matthieu de Tugny, Executive Vice President of Industrials and Commodities at BV, emphasized the importance of LNG in achieving climate neutrality. He noted that the collaboration with Hudong Zhonghua Shipbuilding represents a crucial step toward helping the maritime transport industry meet its decarbonization targets. Despite the emergence of alternative fuels like ammonia, hydrogen, and methanol, LNG continues to be the preferred choice for many maritime stakeholders aiming to comply with stringent environmental regulations.
Growing Infrastructure for LNG Bunkering
The global vessel order book reflects LNG’s continued dominance in the maritime sector. A report from DNV, a classification society based in Oslo, revealed that new bookings for clean-fueled ships reached 19.8 million gross tonnes (GT) by July 2025. Among these, LNG-powered vessels accounted for 87 new units, totaling 14.2 million GT in the first half of the year.
Although the number of ports equipped with LNG bunkering facilities remains limited, this is expected to change as the shipping industry moves closer to its net-zero goal by 2050. According to Greek shipbroker Intermodal, the number of ports with LNG bunkering capabilities has increased to 201, up by 60 since 2021. Furthermore, an additional 57 ports are projected to upgrade their facilities by the end of 2026, indicating a significant expansion in the infrastructure needed to support LNG supply operations.
