Swiss trader Montfort has signed a long-term time charter deal for two medium gas carrier (MGC) newbuildings with a Japanese shipowner.
Describing the deal as a “strategic collaboration”, the company said the charter agreements include purchase options.
Montfort did not identify the shipowner involved but said the two ships are under construction at Yangzi-Mitsui Shipbuilding (Yamic) in China and are scheduled for delivery in the second half of 2026.
VesselsValue data matches these ships to Lepta Shipping, a joint venture between Japanese shipowner Nissen Kaiun and trading house Mitsui & Co, which is building a series of six 40,000-cbm MGCs at the yard for delivery between July 2026 and September 2027.
Apart from the Lepta orders, Yamic’s MGC orderbook comprises a single vessel scheduled to be delivered to Hartmann Schiffahrts in September this year, and two more that will be delivered to Jaldhi Overseas in 2027.
Montfort, in a statement posted on LinkedIn, said the charters demonstrated its “proactive approach to facilitate access to greener energy solutions”.
“This strategic partnership advances Montfort’s goal to increase its LPG/ammonia shipping and trading activities. The vessels are dual-fuel and can run on LPG or very low-sulphur fuel oil, and when LPG is used as fuel, the emissions are greatly reduced,” the trader said.
Montfort added that the deal marked the first step in its strategic ambition to increasingly operate medium to large vessels in the LPG and ammonia segments.
“I am thrilled to announce our expansion into the medium gas carrier segment, underscoring our dedication to the shipping industry’s sustainable transformation. This strategic move aligns with our commitment to global decarbonisation, marking a significant milestone in our pursuit of greener shipping solutions and a more sustainable future,” said Torben Pedersen, Montfort’s head of tankers and LPG.
Montfort, already a prolific charterer, added that partnering with reputable and well-established companies was integral to its long-term vision of building a robust fleet presence and fostering collaborative relationships within the industry.
