BGN Expands VLGC Fleet with Dual Newbuild Order at Hyundai Heavy Industries

Greek gas shipping company BGN has strengthened its position in the liquefied petroleum gas sector by ordering two additional very large gas carriers (VLGCs) at Hyundai Heavy Industries (HHI) in South Korea, according to Seatrade Maritime. The latest newbuilding contract will bring BGN's VLGC fleet to a total of 19 vessels, consolidating the owner's standing as a significant operator in the global LPG tanker market. HHI, one of the world's leading shipbuilders, has been a preferred yard for VLGC construction, known for its advanced gas carrier technology and reliable delivery track record. ## Growing Appetite for Gas Tonnage The order reflects continued confidence among shipowners in the long-term demand outlook for LPG shipping. VLGCs, which typically carry between 80,000 and 93,000 cubic metres of liquefied petroleum gas, are central to the global trade of propane and butane, commodities increasingly in demand across Asia and other emerging markets. The move comes amid a broader wave of newbuilding activity in the gas carrier segment, as owners seek to modernise fleets and capitalise on favourable freight fundamentals. South Korean yards, including HHI and its affiliates, have captured a substantial share of VLGC orders in recent contracting cycles, benefiting from their expertise in complex gas carrier construction. BGN's fleet expansion signals the company's intent to scale operations and compete more aggressively on key LPG trade routes, particularly the US Gulf-to-Asia corridor, which has emerged as one of the most active lanes for VLGC employment in recent years. Further details regarding the vessels' specifications, delivery schedules, and contract values were not disclosed at the time of reporting, per Seatrade Maritime.