TotalEnergies has announced the expansion of its global LNG bunkering network with the signing of a charter contract for a new 18,600m³ capacity LNG bunker vessel.  

Owned by Spanish company Ibaizabal, the vessel is set to enhance the French oil and gas company's presence in key bunkering hubs. 

These include Oman, where it is developing the Marsa LNG project to meet LNG demand from the Gulf's shipping industry. 

The new vessel, which will be constructed by Hudong-Zhonghua Shipbuilding in China, is expected to be delivered by the end of 2026.  

It will join TotalEnergies' existing fleet of LNG bunker vessels, which includes the Gas Agility at the Port of Rotterdam, the Gas Vitality at the Port of Marseille and the Brassavola at the Port of Singapore.  

This expansion is in line with the company's goal of providing cleaner fuel alternatives for various maritime vessel types, from containerships to large cruise ships. 

LNG is considered an immediately available transition fuel for the maritime industry, offering a 20% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions. 

It also improves air quality by cutting nitrogen oxide emissions by up to 85% and virtually eliminating sulphur oxides and fine particles.  

TotalEnergies senior vice-president of aviation and marine fuels Louise Tricoire said: “We are very proud of this agreement with Ibaizabal, which reinforces our position as a main player in LNG bunkering. 

“With new LNG-fuelled vessels coming on stream at a rapid pace, we are committed to playing our part in responding to the sector’s increasing demand for this fuel, which can help global shipping meet its decarbonisation ambitions.” 

Ibaizabal Group CEO Jorge Zickermann said: “Ibaizabal is honoured to be chosen to carry out this project as it falls within our strategy of decarbonising the maritime industry, together with a leading company in the LNG field, while enhancing the already long-term relationship in shipping with TotalEnergies.” 

Earlier this week, Italian oil and gas company Eni also made strides in the LNG bunkering market by signing a multi-year charter agreement with Avenir LNG for the Avenir Aspiration, a 7,500m³ LNG bunker vessel.  

This vessel will support the maritime industry's transition to LNG, in line with Eni's sustainability objectives and the broader goal of decarbonising the maritime sector by 2050.