‘Best of Both Worlds’ approach now applied to deep sea shipping

 RensenDriessen Shipbuilding & Shipbrokers is stepping into the deep-sea segment with the brokerage of two 20,000m³ sea-going LNG tankers. The dual-fuel vessels, fully compliant with IMO Tier III standards, will be built at a selected Chinese shipyard and delivered in 2027.

The project marks a new chapter for the Dutch firm, best known for its inland shipping expertise. With more than four decades of experience in inland vessel design, construction, and brokerage, RensenDriessen is now applying its proven ‘Best of Both Worlds’ model: combining cost efficient newbuilding in Asia with Dutch maritime knowhow, client support, and project oversight to sea going tonnage.

Each vessel will measure 160 meters in length and 25 meters in width, with a designed service speed of 15.5 knots. Equipped with WINGD LNG dual fuel engines and iCER emissions reduction technology, the tankers are designed to meet the demands of today’s deep-sea LNG trades with greater fuel flexibility and environmental performance.

Matching vessels to shipyards
RensenDriessen brings extensive experience in sourcing the right yard for the right job. With access to more than 50 shipyards across China, the company is well positioned to broker complex or specialized tonnage. In the case of LNG tankers, not every yard has the technical capacity to handle highly specialized cargo systems, making precise yard selection crucial.

“This is more than just a transaction. It’s a next step in our development as a brokerage partner with a European heart and global reach,” says Wim Driessen, Managing Partner at RensenDriessen. “We have a solid track record in building vessels in China and know how to align each project with the most suitable yard. By entering the short-sea and deep-sea markets with a proven business model, we’re opening up new opportunities for shipowners who want to combine affordability with quality and flexibility.”

The vessels are being built for a Northern European owner focused on LNG transport and distribution. Steel cutting for the first vessel is scheduled to take place in two weeks, with delivery expected in April 2027. Steel cutting for the second vessel will follow in approximately four months, with delivery set for September 2027. Once completed, the tankers will be deployed in both Asian and European waters. In parallel, RensenDriessen also has an LCO₂ tanker on order in China, which will be deployed in Northwest Europe for the export of captured CO₂.