Astomos New VLGC to Sail the Expanded Panama Canal

Astomos Energy Japanese LPG company Astomos Energy held a naming ceremony for its newest very large gas carrier which will be able to sail through the expanded Panama Canal, according to Platts. The 47,300-ton ship, named VLGC Sumire Gas, was built by Kawasaki Heavy Industries. The ship will enter a time-charter upon delivery. Featuring a capacity of 82,200 cum, the vessel is Astomos Energys third VLGC equipped to transit the expanded canal which is scheduled to start operations in June, the Panama Canal Authority (ACP) informed. The inauguration of the long-awaited expansion project is to be held on June 26. Based on the latest update from the ACP, the canal has reached 97 percent completion. World Maritime News Staff