Bureau Veritas classes three LNG bunkering vessels

Classification society Bureau Veritas Marine & Offshore (BV) has classed three new LNG bunker vessels, including one 18,600 cbm vessel for Ibaizabal at Hudong Zhonghua and two 18,000 cbm vessels for Hercules Shipping, the shipping arm of Peninsula at Hyundai Mipo Dockyard, which will be delivered from 2026.

The vessels join a list of 18 BV-classed LNG bunkering vessels in service, with four more scheduled for delivery in 2025 and 2026. Reportedly, BV has now classified around 35% of the world’s bunkering ships in service and approximately 50% of the order book to date.

According to BV, the new vessels add to the “important” supply of LNG as fuel and help ensure shipbuilders and operators remain compliant and on course to meet global emissions targets.

Carlos Guerrero, Global Market Leader – Gas Carriers, Bureau Veritas Marine & Offshore, commented: “Classifying these new LNG bunkering vessels not only reinforces our commitment to supporting the maritime industry’s transition to cleaner fuels but also highlights our leadership in providing innovative solutions that will support decarbonization efforts. These vessels will play a crucial role in enabling shipbuilders and operators to meet the growing demand for LNG as a fuel source, whilst ensuring compliance with stringent emissions targets.”

Note that BV is also said to be focused on facilitating the industry’s shift to other clean fuels. The company said it is exploring how lessons from LNG can be applied to methanol and ammonia’s production, transport and eventual use as a maritime fuel.

In 2024, the classification society granted approval in principle (AiP) to China’s Dalian Shipbuilding for its liquid ammonia bunkering vessel design and partnered with South Korean Hanwha Ocean and Greek Naftomar on a joint development project to develop large ammonia carriers with an ammonia fuel-prepared design. As for methanol projects, BV is also said to be actively involved.

• BV approves Dalian Shipbuilding’s liquid ammonia bunkering vessel design
• New partnership targets VLAC design development

Guerrero stated: “As we look to the future, our efforts are increasingly focused on methanol and ammonia in the push toward sustainable shipping. For example, we are actively leveraging our extensive expertise in LNG to explore how the lessons learned can be applied to ammonia’s production, transport, and use. Our collaborations with industry leaders, including recent approvals for ammonia bunkering designs, reflect our commitment to paving the way for this transformative fuel.”

“With the International Maritime Organization’s recent steps toward revising rules on ammonia, we are well positioned to deliver the necessary approvals for ammonia combustion engines, ensuring that the maritime industry can confidently navigate its path toward a more sustainable future.”