China’s Shandong Marine has moved to expand its LNG carrier fleet， placing an order for four newbuildings at compatriot yard Jiangnan Shipyard，with the vessels set to be chartered to a unit of UK-based energy major Shell upon delivery.

The state-run shipping group has signed up for 175，000 cum units with deliveries scheduled across 2028 and 2029. The deal involves Shell (Singapore) Trading as a long-term charterer，with Minsheng Financial Leasing as the shipowner. Shandong Marine Energy will be responsible for commercial management，and Shell International Shipping will be in charge of technical operations.

The order adds to a growing LNG carrier portfolio at Shandong Marine，which already has two LNG newbuildings on order at Samsung Heavy Industries in South Korea for delivery in 2026 and 2027. The group is also tied to three Q-Max LNG carrier newbuildings under a separate deal with QatarEnergy.

Jiangnan Shipyard，part of China State Shipbuilding Corporation (CSSC)，has emerged as a key player in large LNG carrier construction as Chinese yards continue to close the gap with their South Korean rivals. Located on Shanghai’s Changxing Island，the yard has seen a steady stream of LNG-related orders over the past year.

Shandong Marine’s move comes amid a renewed wave of LNG carrier contracting through late 2025 and into the start of the new year，as owners and investors position for long-term gas demand and portfolio employment.

Earlier this year，Eastern Pacific Shipping placed its first LNG carrier newbuilding order in China， contracting two 175，000 cum vessels at Jiangnan for delivery in 2028. Greek owner TMS Cardiff Gas has also added to its LNG orderbook，signing up for up to six newbuildings at Hudong-Zhonghua Shipbuilding.

South Korean yards continue to attract strong LNG interest as well. Seapeak has ordered two LNG carriers at Samsung Heavy Industries，while Purus returned to the yard with a pair of LNG newbuildings valued at about $503m. Alpha Gas has also resurfaced in the newbuilding market with an order for two LNG carriers at Hanwha Ocean.

Most recently，Samsung Heavy Industries disclosed a $507.6m contract for two LNG carriers for a Bermuda-based owner，with brokers linking the deal to JP Morgan-backed Global Meridian Holdings. The vessels are due for delivery in early 2029.

Together， the latest orders underline the continued momentum in LNG carrier contracting， with Chinese and South Korean yards competing for a growing share of long-term gas shipping demand.