Vitol to Begin LNG Bunkering Operations in Asia in Late 2026 After Vessel Trials

Vitol Bunkers plans to launch liquefied natural gas (LNG) bunkering operations in Asia in late 2026 following the completion of sea trials for its 12,500-cubic-metre LNG bunkering vessel, Vivit Asia LNG. The company also plans to continue expanding its LNG bunkering vessel fleet into 2027.

Vivit Asia LNG to Support Regional Bunkering

In a LinkedIn post, Vitol said the planned operations would be “backed by a fully contracted regional supply chain and Vitol’s established global LNG portfolio”. The deployment is expected to expand the company’s LNG bunkering capabilities in the Asian market.

Vitol Bunkers currently supplies marine fuels in China, the Maldives, Pakistan, the United Arab Emirates and Singapore.

In Singapore, Vitol is among the 10 licensed LNG bunker suppliers. The other suppliers are Aramco Trading, Equatorial Marine Fuel Management Services, ExxonMobil, FueLNG, Pavilion Energy, PetroChina International, Shell Eastern Trading, Sinopec and TotalEnergies.

Vitol Expands LNG Bunkering Activities Beyond Asia

The planned Asian launch follows Vitol’s LNG bunkering activity in Europe. In August 2026, the company completed its first LNG bunkering operation at the Italian port of Civitavecchia in cooperation with Axpo.

Commenting on the operation, Stefan Dubbeldam, Vitol’s head of small-scale LNG and LNG bunkering, said: “LNG and bio-LNG have a key role to play in reducing emissions from bunkering. Vitol is globally invested throughout the value chain, from upstream bio-LNG and LNG production and offtake, through to solutions for customers through our LNG bunker vessel fleet.”

The planned deployment of Vivit Asia LNG forms part of Vitol’s broader expansion of its LNG bunkering fleet, with further growth scheduled through 2027.

FAQs

When will Vitol begin LNG bunkering operations in Asia?

Vitol Bunkers plans to begin LNG bunkering operations in Asia in late 2026, following the completion of sea trials for Vivit Asia LNG.

What is the capacity of Vivit Asia LNG?

Vivit Asia LNG is an LNG bunkering vessel with a capacity of 12,500 cubic metres.

Which Asian markets does Vitol Bunkers currently serve?

Vitol Bunkers currently supplies marine fuels in China, the Maldives, Pakistan, the United Arab Emirates and Singapore.

Is Vitol planning to expand its LNG bunkering fleet?

Yes. Vitol has indicated that its LNG bunkering vessel fleet expansion will continue into 2027.

Where did Vitol complete its first LNG bunkering operation in Italy?

Vitol completed its first LNG bunkering operation at the port of Civitavecchia, Italy, in cooperation with Axpo in August 2026.