ExxonMobil has moved to enter the LNG marine bunkering market with two purpose-built vessels, as it looks to expand its portfolio of lower-emission marine fuels.
The US energy major will begin operations in 2027, deploying two LNG bunker ships — one chartered from Avenir LNG and another from Evalend Shipping — to supply LNG and bio-LNG to vessels in key trading regions.
“With both LNG and bio-LNG, we can help reduce lifecycle emissions compared with conventional marine fuels,” said Amy Wood, ExxonMobil’s global low-emission fuels business development manager. “As the maritime industry looks for scalable ways to cut emissions, we’re leveraging our integration and experience to deliver these fuel options.”
ExxonMobil, which has been active in LNG production and supply for more than four decades, said the first bunker vessel — a 20,000 cu m newbuild from Avenir LNG — will deliver in the first quarter of 2027, followed by an 18,000 cu m vessel from Evalend Shipping later the same year.
The company added that its long-term plan is to expand its bunkering network as demand for LNG and bio-LNG grows among shipowners looking to meet tightening emissions rules.
For Avenir LNG, the deal with ExxonMobil’s shipping arm SeaRiver Maritime secures long-term employment for one of its two large-capacity newbuilds and wraps up its 2024 newbuilding programme.
“This agreement delivers on our strategy to support the global growth of LNG and bio-LNG as marine fuels,” said Jonathan Quinn, managing director of Avenir LNG, adding that the deal also provides a solid foundation for future expansion.
London-based Avenir operates five LNG bunker and supply vessels with two more under construction, and has signed five new charter deals over the past year — all with major energy and industrial players.
Diversified Greek owner Evalend Shipping, backed by Kriton Lendoudis, has also been expanding into the LNG bunkering space. Earlier this year, shipbrokers linked the company to four LNG bunker newbuilds at HD Hyundai Mipo in Ulsan, reportedly worth around $370m in total.
