Sale of Two VLGCs by BW LPG Signals Fleet Expansion and Renewal

Singapore-based ship owner and operator BW LPG recently announced the signing of a memorandum of agreement (MOA) to sell two very large gas carriers (VLGCs) acquired in a transaction with Norway’s Avance Gas. The sale price for each unit is approximately $75 million.

The vessels in question, BW Chinook and BW Pampero, both measuring 226 meters in length, are liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) tankers. They are set to join BW LPG India’s fleet in the third quarter of 2025.

These 2015-built vessels will not only expand BW LPG’s fleet but also contribute to a fleet renewal effort aimed at meeting the growing demand for LPG in India.

“With BW Pampero and BW Chinook, we add modern quality tonnage and more capacity to our Indian-flagged fleet. We see tremendous potential in the country and are proud to participate in the continued growth of the Indian LPG market,” commented Kristian Sørensen, CEO of BW LPG.

BW LPG India, a joint venture between BW LPG and Global United Shipping, currently operates India’s largest VLGC fleet, comprising seven units. The company plays a significant role in importing approximately 20% of LPG into India.

In August 2024, BW LPG announced the acquisition of a dozen VLGCs, including dual-fuel vessels, from Avance Gas in a deal worth $1 billion. BW Chinook and BW Capella were the first two vessels delivered from this series in November 2024.

BW Pampero, the seventh vessel, was handed over in December 2024. This transaction also saw the renaming of the 2023-built dual-fuel vessel Avance Rigel to BW Rigel, further enhancing BW LPG’s fleet.