MOL will cement the long-term nature of the partnership with UK-based V.Ships, a unit of V.Group, by acquiring V.Ships France’s share capital through its subsidiary, MOL Euro Energie SAS, with V.Ships retaining 75 percent.
V.Group and MOL did not provide the price details of the deal in separate statements on Wednesday.
VSF is currently managing two MOL’s LNG bunkering vessels, namely Gas Vitality and Gas Agility, which operate in Rotterdam and Marseille.
The company will continue to operate from its current base in Nantes, with no changes to its team or operations.
“Through the investment in VSF, MOL will secure high-quality French-speaking seafarers as one of another unique MOL resources, whilst also contributes to French maritime growth aspiration,” th frim said.
Building on the existing relationship through the management of LNG bunkering vessels, MOL will newly appoint VSF as the ship manager for two LNG carriers to be delivered to Ineos in 2027.
Through this additional mandate and equity participation, MOL intends to further deepen and strengthen its strategic partnership with VSF. the company added.
In 2023, UK’s Ineos chartered two LNG carriers from MOL to ship its contracted US LNG supplies to Germany.
Both of the vessels will be built by South Korea’s Hanwha Ocean, and they will feature MAN ME-GI engines, air lubrication technology, and shaft generators.
These will be the first LNG vessels in Ineos’ fleet.
