Babcock LGE secures contract for four VLGC newbuildings
Scottish engineering firm Babcock LGE will provide gas handling systems for four 88,000 cbm VLGCs being built by Samsung Heavy Industries for Oceonix.
Babcock LGE, a marine engineering firm based in Rosyth and part of Babcock International, has secured a new contract with South Korea’s Samsung Heavy Industries. As reported by Navingo BV, the agreement involves the supply of gas handling systems for four very large gas carriers, each with a capacity of 88,000 cubic metres. This project represents a significant addition to the Scottish company’s portfolio of large-scale gas carrier applications in the Asian shipbuilding market. The engineering business aims to leverage its system integration expertise and technical capabilities to support the construction of these vessels.
The four VLGCs are currently under construction for shipowner Oceonix. According to the engineering firm, the collaboration with Samsung Heavy Industries highlights the ongoing confidence placed in its technology and project delivery teams. Commercial Director Andrew Fitzgerald noted that the partnership reflects a shared commitment to successful project execution and future growth. Both parties intend to maintain a close working relationship throughout the engineering and construction phases to ensure the project meets its objectives. The contract further reinforces the company’s established presence in the global market for liquefied gas handling solutions.
Beyond the initial construction phase, Babcock LGE plans to establish a long-term relationship with Oceonix. This engagement is intended to extend beyond the scheduled delivery of the vessels in 2029, focusing on the through-life performance of the onboard gas systems. The company stated that this approach will enable the systems to operate optimally throughout the service life of the ships. Such support services are a key component of the firm's strategy to maintain its involvement in the design and delivery of gas handling infrastructure for major international shipowners and shipyards.
The contract win serves to bolster the position of the Scottish engineering firm within the competitive global VLGC sector. By continuing to provide specialised solutions for large-scale gas carriers, the company maintains its long-standing role in the maritime energy supply chain. This latest assignment with Samsung Heavy Industries is described by the firm as a reflection of its strong industrial relationships and technical proficiency. The project adds to the broader portfolio of energy infrastructure assets currently being developed by the South Korean shipyard, which includes various floating liquefied natural gas units intended for international deployment.
The collaboration underscores the importance of specialised engineering partnerships in the modern shipbuilding industry. By integrating advanced gas handling technologies at the design and construction stages, the firms involved aim to ensure high operational standards for the new fleet. The focus on through-life support for the Oceonix vessels highlights a broader industry trend towards extended technical cooperation between equipment suppliers and shipowners. As the maritime sector continues to evolve, such technical alliances remain vital for the efficient delivery and long-term maintenance of complex gas-carrying tonnage across global trade routes.