V.Group and MOL expand partnership with LNG carrier management agreement

V.Group has entered a strategic partnership with Mitsui O.S.K. Lines (MOL) under which V.Group’s subsidiary V.Ships will assume full technical management of two newly built LNG carriers.

As part of the agreement, MOL will acquire a 25% equity stake in V.Ships France through its subsidiary MOL Euro Energie SAS. V.Ships will retain the remaining 75% shareholding.

The companies said the arrangement builds on their existing relationship, under which V.Ships France already manages several vessels for MOL, including LNG bunkering ships.

Robert Desai, CEO of V.Ships, said:

“MOL is an important partner to V.Ships France and V. as a whole. We are delighted to embark on this expanded, long-term partnership, which sees MOL becoming our equity partner in one of the Group’s highly specialised companies.

V.Ships France has long been renowned for its expertise in LNG and advanced dual fuel ships, and this agreement reflects the confidence MOL has placed in that capability. Having a counterpart of MOL’s standing as partners in V.Ships France is a validation of what our team in Nantes has built, as well as V.’s global strength and credibility, and we look forward to deepening our collaboration together as the LNG sector continues to grow.”

Jun Kanda of MOL Euro Energie SAS said:

“We are delighted to have V. and V.Ships France as such important long-term partners. Our relationship stretches back many years, and throughout that time V.Ships France has consistently demonstrated the highest levels of technical expertise in LNG and dual fuel vessel management.

This expanded partnership, including our equity investment in V.Ships France, reflects the depth of confidence we have in their team and their capabilities. As we continue to grow our LNG fleet, having a ship management partner with this calibre of specialist knowledge and the backing of V.’s wider resources is of real strategic value to our organisation.”

LNG fleet management and digital platform

V.Ships France will continue operating from its base in Nantes, France, with no changes to its team or organisational structure following the partnership. The managed vessels will be integrated into V.Group’s global ship management network.

The vessels under management will also utilise V.Group’s digital marine platform, ShipSure, which supports operational monitoring, compliance management and performance optimisation across fleets. The agreement reflects growing demand for specialist ship management expertise as shipping companies expand LNG and dual-fuel fleets in response to tightening environmental regulations and evolving fuel strategies.