BGN builds up LPG-capable gas carrier fleet with four more ships

Energy and commodities trading group BGN has ordered four 93,000-cbm LPG-capable gas carriers from HD Hyundai Heavy Industries for delivery in January 2030.

IMAGE: The signing ceremony for four LPG dual-fuel vessels. BGN

BGN signed the contract for the four very large gas carriers (VLGCs) with South Korean shipbuilder HD Hyundai Heavy Industries (HD HHI) in Istanbul. The ships will be able to run on LPG or conventional marine fuel.

The new ships will take BGN’s owned VLGC fleet from 19 to 23 once delivered. The company has more than 40 owned and chartered vessels in total.

Including the latest order, BGN has ordered 10 dual-fuel VLGCs from HD HHI in 2026 so far. In April, it ordered four 90,000-cbm dual-fuel VLGCs that can run on conventional and lower-emission fuels and carry ammonia, with delivery by 2029. In June, it ordered two 93,000-cbm LPG dual-fuel VLGCs, also due by 2029.

In September, BGN agreed a long-term time charter with Japanese tanker operator IINO Kaiun Kaisha (IINO Lines) for a 90,000-cbm LPG dual-fuel VLGC. HD HHI is building that ship for delivery at the end of December 2029.

In August, Japan’s Kawasaki Heavy Industries delivered another LPG dual-fuel VLGC, Lyla Pathfinder, which Japanese shipping company Nippon Yusen Kaisha (NYK Line) has chartered to BGN.

Other gas carrier owners have also ordered LPG-capable ships. BW LPG has ordered eight 90,000-cbm LPG dual-fuel VLGCs from HD HHI, for delivery from early 2029 to the second quarter of 2030. Dorian LPG has ordered three from Hanwha Ocean, due in 2030.

There are currently 183 LPG dual-fuel vessels in operation globally, with another 165 such vessels on order through 2030, according to DNV data.

By Nachiket Tekawade

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