Mitsui OSK Lines is strengthening its long-term relationship with V.Ships France through a new strategic agreement that combines equity participation with expanded technical cooperation in LNG shipping.
Under the deal, MOL will acquire a 25% stake in V.Ships France through its subsidiary MOL Euro Energie SAS, while V.Ships will retain the remaining 75%. At the same time, V.Ships France will take full technical management of two advanced LNG carriers currently under construction for delivery to INEOS in 2027.
The agreement builds on an already established partnership. V.Ships France already manages several MOL vessels, including LNG bunker ships, and both companies said the new structure reflects a deeper level of confidence and long-term alignment.
V.Ships chief executive Robert Desai said MOL’s move to become an equity partner is an endorsement of the expertise built by the Nantes-based team, particularly in LNG and dual-fuel vessels. He described the partnership as both strategic and long-term, at a time when the LNG sector continues to expand.
MOL Euro Energie SAS’s Jun Kanda said the investment reflects the high level of trust MOL places in the V.Ships France team and the value of having a specialist ship management partner as the company grows its LNG fleet.
V.Ships France will continue operating from Nantes with no changes to its personnel or current activities.
