UK-based Union Maritime has doubled its large gas carrier newbuild programme with a pair of 88，000 cum VLACs at China’s Yangzijiang Shipbuilding.

The Laurent Cadji-led owner has emerged as the company behind two gas carrier newbuilds at Jingjiang New Yangzi Shipbuilding， with deliveries scheduled for 2029 and 2030. Union Maritime’s fleet list identifies the ships as 55，000 dwt VLGCs under hull numbers 1787 and 1788.

Yangzijiang’s first-half results provide the other piece of the puzzle. The Singapore-listed shipbuilder said it secured just two gas carrier orders during the first six months of 2026， both for 88，000 cbm VLACs， taking its orderbook for the type to six ships. No price has been disclosed.

The deal doubles Union Maritime’s gas carrier orderbook after the company was linked earlier this summer to two 90，000 cu m VLGC/VLAC newbuilds at HD Hyundai Heavy Industries. Splash reported in July that the South Korean pair， due in 2029， were costing around $234m in total.

Union Maritime’s own website now lists 69 newbuildings alongside an operating fleet of 89 tankers， 15 bulkers and five offshore vessels. Shipping sources calculate that 61 of the 69 ships on order are being built in China.

Yangzijiang is already a significant yard partner for Union Maritime. New Yangzi delivered the 114，000 dwt SPA， a wind-assisted LNG dual-fuel tanker， to the UK owner in January.