MISC Orders Small-Scale LNG Carrier from Hudong-Zhonghua for Petronas Trade

Malaysia’s MISC Berhad has ordered an 18,700 cubic metre LNG carrier from China’s Hudong-Zhonghua Shipbuilding after securing a 10-year charter with Malaysia LNG, supporting long-term liquefied natural gas shipments between Malaysia and Japan.

The vessel is scheduled to enter service in 2028, serving the LNG trade route from Petronas’ Bintulu LNG complex in Sarawak to Sendai, Japan.

Supporting Long-Term Malaysia–Japan LNG Trade

The new LNG carrier will transport cargoes from Petronas’ export terminal in Bintulu to Sendai, continuing an LNG supply relationship that has existed for nearly 30 years.

The long-term charter with Malaysia LNG provides employment for the vessel upon delivery and further strengthens MISC’s presence in the LNG shipping sector.

First Membrane-Type Small-Scale LNG Carrier at Hudong-Zhonghua

According to Hudong-Zhonghua Shipbuilding, the vessel will be:

• The first membrane-type LNG carrier of its size built by the shipyard.
• China’s first small-scale LNG carrier equipped with a membrane cargo containment system.

The vessel will measure 129.8 metres in length and feature:

• 18,700 cubic metres of LNG cargo capacity
• Twin-skeg hull design
• Dual-fuel diesel-electric propulsion
• Design speed of 15 knots

The membrane containment system is expected to improve cargo efficiency while supporting the transportation of LNG on regional and niche trade routes.

Expanding MISC’s LNG Fleet

The latest order complements MISC’s broader fleet expansion programme at Hudong-Zhonghua.

Earlier this year, the Malaysian shipping company ordered five 174,000 cubic metre LNG carriers from the same shipyard.

Those larger vessels are backed by 20-year charters with Petronas and are scheduled for delivery between 2029 and 2030.

The addition of the smaller LNG carrier expands MISC’s fleet with a specialised vessel capable of serving regional LNG distribution alongside its larger ocean-going carriers.