EPS Adds 93,000-cbm LPG Dual-Fuel VLAC Lilac Cove to Fleet

Singapore-based shipping company Eastern Pacific Shipping (EPS) has taken delivery of Lilac Cove, a 93,000-cbm LPG dual-fuel very large ammonia carrier (VLAC) built by China’s Jiangnan Shipyard.

The new vessel can operate on LPG as well as conventional marine fuels and is designed to carry both ammonia and LPG cargoes, including propane and butane. The dual-cargo capability provides flexibility across different gas cargo operations.

Second of Six VLACs for EPS

Lilac Cove is the second of six VLACs being constructed for EPS at Jiangnan Shipyard. The first vessel in the series, Ivy Cove, was delivered in June.

The delivery comes as the global fleet of LPG-capable vessels continues to expand. According to classification society DNV, the fleet currently comprises 179 vessels, with a further 160 expected to enter service by 2030. Of the existing fleet, 165 vessels are dedicated LPG carriers, while 14 are capable of transporting both LPG and ammonia.

LPG Dual-Fuel Vessel Orders Continue

Activity in the LPG-capable vessel segment has remained strong in September. Belgian shipping company Exmar took delivery of an LPG dual-fuel gas carrier for its French subsidiary, Exmar France.

China’s state-owned COSCO Shipping also launched an LPG dual-fuel very large gas carrier (VLGC), while Japanese tanker operator IINO Kaiun Kaisha (IINO Lines) signed a time charter contract with energy and commodities trading group BGN for an LPG dual-fuel VLGC newbuild.

Meanwhile, gas carrier owner Dorian LPG ordered three 90,000-cbm LPG dual-fuel VLGCs from South Korea’s Hanwha Ocean.