China | November 25, 2025 – In a major development underscoring the growing maturity of the global LNG bunkering market, Wärtsilä Gas Solutions has secured a contract to supply a fully integrated suite of systems for a new LNG Bunkering Vessel (LBV). The vessel is under construction at Jiangnan Shipyard in China for Shanghai International Port Group (SIPG) Energy Shanghai Co.
This repeat order—booked by Wärtsilä in Q3 2025—highlights the industry’s shift toward sophisticated, integrated systems to ensure maximum efficiency and performance in critical bunkering operations.
Wärtsilä’s Fully Integrated Scope of Supply
Wärtsilä Gas Solutions will deliver a comprehensive, fully integrated package to the new LBV, ensuring all core functions—from cargo storage to fuel delivery and gas management—operate in optimal synergy. The scope includes three critical, interconnected systems:
- Cargo Handling System (CHS): For the safe and efficient management of the liquefied natural gas cargo.
- Fuel Gas Supply System (FGSS): Ensuring the vessel’s own engines are reliably supplied with gas fuel.
- Boil-Off Gas (BOG) Reliquefaction System: Wärtsilä’s proprietary Compact Reliq (CRS) unit.
The key technical advantage emphasized by Wärtsilä is the full integration of these systems, which is designed to optimize overall cargo handling efficiency and improve the vessel’s environmental and economic performance. Industry data suggests this new vessel is a large-capacity unit, with earlier reports indicating a size of 20,000 cbm, positioning it among the world’s largest.
The Compact Reliq (CRS) System: A Critical Component
The inclusion of the Compact Reliq (CRS) reliquefaction unit is a key technical specification. This advanced system is designed to handle the Boil-Off Gas (BOG) that naturally evaporates from the LNG cargo tanks. By reliquefying this gas and returning it to the tanks, the CRS system:
- Minimizes Cargo Loss: It converts BOG back into marketable liquid cargo, maximizing the efficiency of the bunkering payload.
- Ensures Stable Pressure: It maintains stable pressure within the cargo tanks, enhancing safety during all phases of operation.
- Reduces Emissions: Prevents the release of methane (a potent greenhouse gas) into the atmosphere, directly supporting decarbonisation goals.
SIPG’s Operational Track Record and Confidence
The decision by Shanghai International Port Group (SIPG) Energy Shanghai Co. to select Wärtsilä is a strong vote of confidence rooted in established operational performance.
He Bin, Vice General Manager of Shanghai SIPG Energy Service Co. Ltd., noted the successful track record with their existing Wärtsilä-equipped vessel:
“During the recent three and a half years after we took over Hai Gang Wei Lai, we have finished more than 200+ bunkering of 1 million+ cbm LNG for various ships calling Shanghai port. We are satisfied with the performance of Wärtsilä systems and this is the reason we are working with them again in this new project.”
Optimisation and Performance Enhancement
The collaboration extends beyond mere supply, focusing on optimization through shared operational experience.
Barry Yang, General Manager Sales, China, Wärtsilä Gas Solutions, pointed to the necessity of meeting rising demand for LNG fuel:
“The demand for LNG as a marine fuel continues to increase, and we are a leader in supplying modern and reliable systems that optimize overall cargo handling efficiency for LNG bunkering vessels. SIPG has rich operation experience in LNG bunkering vessels and provides valuable input for the vessel’s optimization. We are working closely with the owner and shipyard to implement improvements, which will elevate the system to a new level of performance.”
Project Timeline and Key Stakeholders
- Owner/Operator: Shanghai International Port Group (SIPG) Energy Shanghai Co.
- Shipyard: Jiangnan Shipyard, China.
- Order Booked: Q3 2025.
- Equipment Delivery: Scheduled for 2026.
- Vessel Commissioning: Expected in Summer 2027.
About Shanghai International Port Group (SIPG)
Founded in 1988, SIPG is the principal operator of public terminals at the Port of Shanghai, one of the largest and busiest seaports in the world. Listed on the Shanghai Stock Exchange since 2006, SIPG offers a complete logistics value chain, including container and bulk terminal services, shipping agency, and land transportation.
SIPG Energy (Shanghai) Co., Ltd., established in November 2023, is the Group’s integrated energy management arm. It operates the world’s leading bunkering fleet, including the LNG vessel Hai Gang Wei Lai and the world’s largest green methanol bunkering vessel, Hai Gang Zhi Yuan, providing ship-to-ship bunkering services to international fleets.
About Wärtsilä Gas Solutions
Wärtsilä Gas Solutions, a part of the Wärtsilä Portfolio Business, is a market leader providing innovative systems and lifecycle solutions across the gas value chain. Its main areas of focus are the handling of gas in maritime, including storage, fuel, transfer, and Boil-Off Gas (BOG) management. The company is committed to innovation and digitalization to help customers achieve lifecycle performance and meet the industry’s sustainability challenges.
About Wärtsilä
Wärtsilä is a global leader in innovative technologies and lifecycle solutions for the marine and energy markets. We emphasise innovation in sustainable technology and services to help our customers continuously improve their environmental and economic performance. Our dedicated and passionate team of 18,300 professionals in more than 230 locations in 77 countries is shaping the decarbonisation of our industries across the globe. In 2024, Wärtsilä’s net sales totalled EUR 6.4 billion. Wärtsilä is listed on Nasdaq Helsinki.
Source: Wartsila