Keppel nabs $103m contract to build LNG carriers

Two carrier vessels will be built for Stolt-Nielsen Gas B.V.

Keppel Offshore & Marine's subsidiary Keppel Singmarine has strengthened its track record in the Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG)-related business by securing a contract worth a total of $103m to build two LNG carrier vessels for Stolt-Nielsen Gas B.V. (Stolt-Nielsen Gas), a subsidiary of Stolt-Nielsen Limited.

As part of the contract, Keppel Singmarine has also secured options to build another three similar units for Stolt-Nielsen Gas. The latter has 6, 12 and 18 months from the effective date of the contract to exercise the options respectively.

Managing director of Keppel Singmarine Abu Bakar noted that Keppel yards have repaired a number of vessels for Stolt Tankers.

“This order extends our track record in providing solutions along the LNG value chain, which includes two dual-fuel harbour tugs that we are currently building. We are able to leverage our shipyard’s capabilities and innovative LNG research and development to meet our customer’s needs,” he said.

The LNG carriers are expected to be completed in 2Q and 3Q 2019 respectively. They will each have a capacity of 7,500 cubic meters, and come equipped with engines that can run on both diesel and LNG. The carriers will have a class notation for bunkering which adds to their versatility to not only transport but also provide LNG bunkering services if required.