LR awards approval in principle to Chinese yard for 12,500-cbm LNG bunker vessel design

Lloyd’s Register (LR) has awarded approval in principle (AiP) to CSSC Huangpu Wenchong Shipbuilding Co., Ltd. for a new 12,500-cbm LNG bunkering vessel design, with the agreement signed at SMM 2026 in Hamburg.

The AiP confirms that the vessel concept has completed an independent design assessment against LR’s classification requirements. The new design incorporates Type C LNG cargo tanks and has been evaluated against a range of class notations covering gas operations, automation, environmental performance and cyber resilience.

LR’s assessment was carried out in accordance with its Rules and Regulations for the Classification of Ships and the Rules and Regulations for the Construction and Classification of Ships for the Carriage of Liquefied Gas in Bulk.

Constantinos Chaelis, LR’s global gas segment director, said the project demonstrates the continued market confidence in LNG and the importance of building the supporting infrastructure that enables owners to make practical emissions reductions today, while maintaining flexibility for the future. He said early engagement between shipyard and class allows the companies to accelerate the delivery of robust designs that meet both operational and regulatory requirements.

A Huangpu Wenchong spokesperson said the Approval in Principle from Lloyd’s Register validates the technical approach and provides a strong foundation for future development, adding that the company believes vessels of this type will play an increasingly important role in supporting the energy transition by helping ensure LNG is available where shipowners need it most.