EXMAR has taken delivery of the 146,000 m³ LNG carrier SIMAISMA under a seven-year charter contract to support the maritime fuel sector. The vessel will undergo modifications to become a specialized Floating Transshipment Unit (FTU) dedicated to streamlining the LNG bunkering supply chain. By receiving large LNG cargoes from trading vessels and supplying smaller bunker ships, this innovative infrastructure leverages EXMAR’s 50 years of experience to lower logistics costs and accelerate clean shipping.
Antwerpen, Belgium | August 6, 2026 – Belgian marine energy infrastructure leader EXMAR has announced a major strategic step forward in decarbonizing the maritime sector. The company has taken delivery of the 146,000 m³ LNG Carrier SIMAISMA, secured under an initial 7-year charter contract with a first-class counterpart.
The vessel is set to undergo a comprehensive dry-docking and modification phase to convert it into a specialized Floating Transshipment Unit (FTU). This milestone asset is custom-tailored to resolve logistical bottlenecks in the expanding global LNG bunker market.
Unlocking the LNG Bunkering Supply Chain
As global shipping accelerates its adoption of liquefied natural gas (LNG) as a cleaner marine fuel to comply with stringent environmental mandates, efficient midstream logistics remain paramount.
The newly minted FTU model is engineered to streamline this supply chain via a streamlined, two-tier transfer mechanism:
- Inbound Phase: Large parcels of LNG will be delivered directly to the FTU by mainline trading LNG carriers.
- Outbound Phase: Specialized, smaller-scale LNG bunkering vessels will berth alongside the FTU to load product, subsequently delivering the clean fuel directly to mainline commercial ships powered by LNG.
By serving as an offshore intermediate hub, the FTU bypasses costly land-based infrastructure constraints and optimizes delivery turnaround times.
Leadership Perspective
Commenting on the strategic deployment, EXMAR’s CEO, Carl-Antoine Saverys, emphasized the collaborative and economic benefits of the project:
“EXMAR is gladly assisting its client in further paving the way to unlock LNG as a fuel for the shipping industry. The FTU is a smart solution with which our client bring down the costs of the logistics relating to the LNG bunkering.”
Highlighting the firm’s deep-rooted heritage in gas transport and floating infrastructure, Saverys added:
“With this solution, we are building upon EXMAR’s close to 50 years of LNG experience. We look forward deploying more of these assets to unlock the full potential of LNG as a fuel for the maritime industry.”
Building on Decades of Floating Innovation
This latest venture reinforces EXMAR’s position as a trailblazer in floating gas solutions. Backed by nearly five decades of specialized experience in LNG handling, shipping, and offshore infrastructure, EXMAR continues to engineer practical, scalable answers to the maritime industry’s energy transition puzzle, bridging the gap between primary international gas trade and local vessel bunkering demands.
About EXMAR: Pioneers Since 1829
With roots tracing back to a small shipyard on the river Scheldt nearly two centuries ago, EXMAR has evolved into a fully integrated maritime innovator. Today, the Group operates across three critical pillars:
- Shipping: Market leaders in mid-size LPG and ammonia transportation.
- Infrastructure: Ownership and operation of floating LNG (FLNG), storage (FSRU), and offshore production assets.
- Support Services: Expert engineering via EXMAR Offshore and technical management for over 35 specialized vessels.
As a company that “values your energy,” EXMAR has transitioned from a traditional shipowner to a key provider of floating infrastructure solutions for the global energy value chain.
Source: EXMAR