CMES orders LNG newbuilds

China Merchants Energy Shipping (CMES) is back at its shipbuilder of choice, Dalian Shipbuilding Industry (DSIC), for four more newbuilds worth a total of $588.3m.

The Shanghai-listed energy transport unit of China Merchants Group has signed for a pair of 175,000 cu m liquefied natural gas (LNG) carriers in a $470m deal, or $235m per unit. The ships will deliver in the second half of 2026 and the first half of 2027, respectively.

The order also includes two aframax tankers at $59.15m each. The vessels will be fitted with scrubbers and come with methanol-ready notation when delivered in 2026.

In addition to the latest order, the state-owned shipowner has six LNG ships and a trio of aframaxes booked at Dalian for delivery between 2024 and 2026.