Avenir LNG has launched the Avenir Ambition, the lead 20,000 cbm vessel in its latest two-ship expansion programme at China’s Nantong CIMC Sinopacific Offshore & Engineering shipyard. Slated for delivery in Q4 2026 under a long-term charter to Vitol, the dual-purpose ship will enhance global ship-to-ship LNG and Bio-LNG supply capabilities as part of Avenir’s growing 7-vessel operational fleet.
Nantong, China | July 20, 2026 – In a milestone development for the global small-scale liquefied natural gas (LNG) and alternative marine fuel infrastructure, Avenir LNG has officially launched the Avenir Ambition at the Nantong CIMC Sinopacific Offshore & Engineering (CIMC SOE) shipyard in China.
The vessel is the first bunkering newbuild launched in Avenir LNG’s latest fleet expansion programme, which comprises two 20,000 cbm dual-purpose LNG supply and bunkering vessels ordered from CIMC SOE in 2024. Scheduled for delivery in the fourth quarter of 2026, Avenir Ambition will enter a seven-year time-charter agreement with energy trading giant Vitol International Shipping.
Technical Specifications & Green Design Innovations
The Avenir Ambition (Hull No. S1123) is engineered to support ship-to-ship (STS) bunkering, ship-to-truck, and regional terminal deliveries. It features optimized hull geometry and onboard re-liquefaction and subcooling equipment to minimize boil-off gas (BOG) losses during operations and transit.
Key Vessel Parameters
- Length / Beam: 160 m x 25 m
- Cargo Capacity: 20,000 cbm across Type C cryogenic cargo tanks
- Main Engine: WinGD dual-fuel main engine equipped with iCER (Intelligent Control by Exhaust Recycling) technology to minimize methane slip and NOx emissions.
- Shore Power & Multi-Fuel Readiness: Provisioned for high-voltage shore power (AMP) systems and designed for full loading and discharging capability for both LNG and Bio-LNG.
- Design Speed: 15.5 knots
Fleet Expansion & Commercial Impact
When delivered in Q4 2026, Avenir Ambition will be followed by a sister vessel in early 2027 (fixed on a multi-year charter to ExxonMobil affiliate SeaRiver Maritime). Together, the two 20,000 cbm newbuildings will expand Avenir LNG’s total carrying capacity by 80% and increase its active fleet count from five to seven specialized bunker Vessels.
Avenir LNG Fleet Evolution
- Existing Operational Fleet:
- Avenir Advantage — 7,500 cbm
- Avenir Accolade — 7,500 cbm
- Avenir Aspiration — 7,500 cbm
- Avenir Ascension — 7,500 cbm
- Avenir Achievement — 20,000 cbm
- Latest Expansion Programme (Newbuildings):
- Avenir Ambition — 20,000 cbm (Delivery: Q4 2026)
- Hull S1124 — 20,000 cbm (Delivery: Q1 2027)
- Total Fleet Growth Target:
- 7 Total Vessels | Approximately 102,500 cbm Total Carrying Capacity
Note: Existing operational units are deployed under long-term charter agreements with major energy firms including Shell, Petronas, Eni, and New Fortress Energy.
Strategic Synergies: Stolt Tankers & Yard Execution
The build programme leverages deep cross-industry technical expertise. Stolt Tankers provided on-site project management and site supervision at the CIMC SOE shipyard, ensuring strict cryogenic, safety, and construction standards.
“The launch of Avenir Ambition represents an important step in the continued growth of our fleet and our commitment to strengthening LNG supply chains around the world,” stated Avenir LNG. “As demand for flexible, reliable LNG logistics continues to grow, this vessel will further enhance our ability to support customers and expand our market presence.”
“We would like to extend our sincere thanks to the shipyard Nantong CIMC Sinopacific Offshore & Engineering Co., Ltd, as well as our dedicated project management and site team from Stolt Tankers, for their expertise, collaboration, and commitment in bringing this vessel to life.”
Market Dynamics
As shipowners face mounting pressure to comply with strict international and regional decarbonization frameworks, such as the International Maritime Organization’s (IMO) GHG reduction strategy, FuelEU Maritime, and the EU ETS, demand for LNG and drop-in Bio-LNG as marine fuels continues to surge.
The introduction of large 20,000 cbm class bunkering vessels like Avenir Ambition satisfies a critical industry need: delivering high-volume, high-flow rate ship-to-ship bunkering to large dual-fuel containerships, bulkers, and tankers. By scaling up its cryogenic logistics infrastructure, Avenir LNG further solidifies its position as a central player in the global marine fuel transition.
About Avenir LNG
Avenir LNG, is a leading independent owner and operator of small-scale LNG carriers and LNG bunkering vessels. Founded in 2017, the company plays a key role in enabling the global energy transition by providing safe, reliable, and flexible LNG logistics solutions. Operating one of the world’s largest fleets of dedicated LNG bunker vessels, Avenir supports the marine fuel transition to LNG and Bio-LNG while servicing industrial off-grid energy users worldwide.
Source: Avenir LNG