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Exxon Mobil Corp. (NYSE: XOM) stock was down 1.00% at $111.78 as of 2:00 PM EDT.

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Exxon Mobil Corporation (XOM)

The U.S. energy giant announced its entry into the LNG marine bunkering sector, marking a major step toward reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in global shipping. The company’s plan involves deploying two LNG bunker vessels to supply both LNG and bio-LNG, starting operations in 2027.

Amy Wood, ExxonMobil’s Global Lower Emission Fuel Manager, said the move leverages the firm’s long-standing expertise in LNG to provide scalable low-emission solutions. “We’re entering the LNG bunker market, starting with two bunker vessels, which can provide the capability to supply both LNG and bio-LNG,” she said.

Partnership with Avenir LNG and Evalend Shipping

ExxonMobil’s expansion involves collaborations with Avenir LNG and Evalend Shipping, who will charter and deliver the two purpose-built bunker vessels. The 20,000 cu m vessel from Avenir LNG is scheduled for delivery in Q1 2027, while the 18,000 cu m ship from Evalend Shipping is expected to follow later that year.

These vessels will operate in key maritime trade regions, enabling ExxonMobil to support shipowners looking to transition to lower-emission fuels. The company intends to expand its bunkering network as demand for LNG and bio-LNG grows.

Jonathan Quinn, Avenir LNG’s Managing Director, said the deal reinforces their mission to grow LNG and bio-LNG as marine fuels. “This agreement delivers on our strategy to support the global growth of LNG and bio-LNG as marine fuels,” Quinn noted.

Industry Impact and Strategic Outlook

ExxonMobil’s entry into the marine bunkering segment underscores its broader low-emission strategy, complementing its decades-long experience in LNG production and supply. By diversifying into LNG bunkering, the company strengthens its role in the maritime decarbonization process.

Evalend Shipping, backed by Kriton Lendoudis, has also been expanding in this area, with recent contracts for four LNG bunker newbuilds valued at about $370 million. These developments point to rising momentum in LNG bunkering infrastructure, driven by tightening global emission regulations.

Stock and Performance Overview

As of October 10, 2025, ExxonMobil’s year-to-date (YTD) return stood at 6.79%, trailing the S&P 500’s 12.52%. Over the past year, the stock declined 5.95%, while the S&P 500 rose 14.50%. However, over five years, ExxonMobil recorded a strong 299.67% gain, significantly outperforming the broader market.

ExxonMobil’s continued investment in low-carbon technologies and fuel diversification could support long-term performance as the global shipping industry seeks to cut carbon emissions. The new LNG bunkering operations mark a key step in this transition.

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