State-owned Shipping Corporation of India (SCI) recently launched an international tender for the construction of up to six LNG dual-fuel container vessels as part of its fleet renewal programme.

The tender covers two firm orders with options for four additional vessels. Each ship will have a capacity of approximately 8,000 TEU and be capable of operating on LNG as well as conventional marine fuels.

Both Indian and foreign shipyards are eligible to bid, subject to SCI’s technical and financial requirements. 

Foreign yards must have delivered at least two container vessels exceeding 5,000 TEU that have entered service within the past 10 years. Indian shipyards without prior containership construction experience must partner with a reputed foreign yard that has previously built LNG dual-fuel vessels, capable of running on LNG and Conventional fuel which are in service.

According to the tender documents, SCI will evaluate bids based on factors including delivery and payment schedule of the vessel, bunker fuel consumption, service speed and cargo-carrying capacity.

Bids for the tender must be submitted by 31 August at 1700 hours IST and a virtual pre-bid meeting will be held on 18 August at 1500 hours. 

Photo credit: Naveed Ahmed on Unsplash
Published: 6 August, 2026

Explora Journeys recently officially named EXPLORA III in Barcelona, welcoming the brand’s first liquefied natural gas (LNG)-powered ship to the fleet. 

Following her early delivery in Genoa on 23 July 2026, EXPLORA III embarked on a journey through the Mediterranean before arriving in Barcelona for the official naming ceremony. 

“As the first LNG-powered vessel in the Explora Journeys fleet, EXPLORA III represents the next step in the brand’s investment in advanced marine technologies,” the company said on its website. 

Designed to operate on LNG today, the ship also offers a pathway towards renewable alternatives such as bio-LNG and synthetic LNG as these become increasingly available. 

The vessel is equipped with shore power capability, enabling connection to onshore electricity in ports where infrastructure exists, allowing engines to be switched off while alongside.

EXPLORA III departed on 3 August on its seven-night Maiden Journey to Lisbon.

Photo credit: Explora Journeys
Published: 5 August, 2026

French shipping giant CMA CGM on Monday (3 August) said its new 15,000 TEU methanol-powered vessel, CMA CGM ROI ARTHUR, has officially been named and is ready to begin its journey at sea.

Joining the company’s REX2 service, the ship will strengthen its fleet of new-generation vessels designed to support the decarbonisation of shipping. 

“Powered by methanol, she contributes to reducing atmospheric emissions and advancing the energy transition of our industry,” the company said in a social media post. 

The vessel was welcomed by her Master, Captain Roman DIDENKO, and her godmother, Ms. Sun Lijun, Vice Chairman of Tianjin Bridge Welding Materials Group Co., Ltd. and Vice President of the Tianjin Women Entrepreneurs Association.

In January, the company announced the arrival in its fleet of its 400th owned vessel, the CMA CGM MONTE CRISTO, the first in a series of six methanol container ships.

The Group is preparing to operate, by 2031, around 200 dual-fuel LNG and methanol container ships that can be powered with low-carbon energy.

Related: CMA CGM marks 400-vessel milestone as methanol-powered boxship joins fleet

Photo credit: CMA CGM
Published: 4 August, 2026