Asia Pacific Shipping Orders Two LPG Carriers from Jiangnan Shipyard

Vietnam-based Asia Pacific Shipping has recently decided to expand its fleet by ordering two liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) carriers from China’s Jiangnan Shipyard, as reported by Offshore Energy. The company has contracted Jiangnan Shipyard to build two 50,500 cubic meter LPG carriers, with each vessel valued at $102 million. These ships are specifically designed for the transport of liquid ammonia, with delivery scheduled for 2027.

Asia Pacific Shipping, established in 2021, has quickly developed a diversified fleet that includes LPG carriers, oil tankers, and bulk carriers. According to data from VesselsValue, the company currently has eight ships on order across different shipyards. In addition to the recent order with Jiangnan Shipyard, Asia Pacific Shipping has secured contracts with other Chinese shipbuilders, including Wuchang Shipbuilding Industry Group and Guangzhou CSSC Longxue Shipbuilding, for the construction of four and two ships, respectively. The company has also entered into an agreement with South Korea’s K Shipbuilding for two tankers. Currently, Asia Pacific Shipping operates 20 vessels, including three LPG carriers: Apollo Ocean, Genevi, and Lady Rosalia.

The strategic decision to order new LPG carriers aligns with Asia Pacific Shipping’s broader goal of expanding its presence in the maritime transport sector, particularly in the specialized area of ammonia and LPG transportation. The new vessels will enhance the company’s capabilities in transporting liquid ammonia, a growing market segment due to the increasing demand for ammonia as a key ingredient in various industrial processes and as a potential fuel for the future.

Meanwhile, Jiangnan Shipyard, one of China’s leading shipbuilders, continues to strengthen its position in the global shipbuilding industry. Recently, the shipyard secured an order to construct up to four 93,000 cubic meter very large ammonia carriers (VLACs) for Jaldhi Overseas, a Singapore-based company specializing in vessel chartering and logistics solutions. This order, part of Bothra Group, marks the second shipbuilding deal involving VLACs for Jiangnan Shipyard in less than a month. In late July, AW Shipping, a joint venture between ADNOC Logistics & Services and Wanhua Chemical, awarded Jiangnan Shipyard a contract worth around $250 million for the construction of two VLACs, with an option for two additional vessels at the same price.

These recent developments underscore Jiangnan Shipyard’s growing expertise in building specialized carriers, particularly those designed for transporting ammonia, a critical and increasingly in-demand cargo. The partnership with Asia Pacific Shipping further cements the shipyard’s reputation as a top choice for companies looking to expand their fleets with advanced, high-capacity vessels. As Asia Pacific Shipping continues to grow and diversify its fleet, its strategic investments in new, specialized carriers reflect its commitment to meeting the evolving needs of the global shipping industry.