Earlier this week, LNG Prime reported, citing shipbuilding sources, that EPS has ordered two LNG carriers from CSSC’s Jiangnan, its first LNG carrier order in China.
Jiangnan said in a statement that the duo signed the shipbuilding deal on Thursday.
The shipbuilder did not provide the contract price or the vessels’ delivery dates.
Sources said the two 175,000-cbm LNG carriers are scheduled for delivery in 2028.
EPS is expected to pay approximately $220-225 million per vessel.
The vessel type contracted this time is the second-generation 175,000-cbm LNG carrier independently developed by Jiangnan, the shipbuilder said.
Building on the first-generation design, it features further-optimized main dimensions and hull form, according to Jiangnan.
Jiangnan’s current “LNG Jumbo” vessels feature GTT’s Mark III Flex membrane system, WinGD engines, and a partial reliquefaction system.
This is the second order Jiangnan announced this week, following the $2.4 billion deal with Cosco Shipping for 12 LNG dual-fuel container vessels.
On the other hand, this order comes at a time when EPS is expanding its LNG carrier business.
EPS just announced the completion of CoolCo’s merger with EPS Ventures, a unit of EPS, and the appointment of Øystein Kalleklev, former chief executive of Flex LNG, as the managing director of CoolCo and commercial director of EPS Gas.
In his new dual roles, Øystein will lead CoolCo’s overall management and commercial strategy as it transitions into private ownership, while also overseeing commercial activities across EPS’ gas platform, supporting the company’s continued growth in LNG and gas shipping markets, EPS said.
