China Merchants Energy Shipping (CMES) has landed a long-term charter agreement with Sinochem Petroleum Shipping Singapore， a subsidiary of Sinochem Energy， for three of its liquified natural gas (LNG) carrier newbuilds.

The Shanghai-listed energy transport unit of China Merchants Group said the deal involves the 175，000 cu m trio built by Dalian Shipbuilding Industry Corporation (DSIC).

The charters， expected to total up to $2.5bn， should commence in the second half of 2025 and last up to 30 years.