In a significant milestone for China's maritime industry, a brand-new, domestically developed liquefied natural gas (LNG) carrier set sail from the bustling harbor city of Dalian in northeast China on Monday.
Built by Dalian Shipbuilding Industry Co., Ltd. (DSIC), this colossal vessel marks the company's inaugural venture into large-scale LNG carrier construction. Measuring an impressive 295 meters in length, 46.4 meters in width, and 26.2 meters in depth, the ship boasts a hefty payload capacity of 175,000 cubic meters. Designed with precision, it features a draft of 11.5 meters and cruises at a brisk speed of 19.5 knots.
The LNG carrier is equipped to dock at major LNG terminals worldwide, ensuring seamless ship-to-shore integration. Notably, it maintains a minimal daily boil-off rate of just 0.085 percent, ensuring optimal safety, stability, and minimal LNG loss during transit.
Scheduled for delivery in August 2025, the vessel is currently undergoing meticulous commissioning for underwater mooring and cargo containment systems before embarking on its maiden voyage.
China's shipbuilding capabilities have surged in recent years, driven by a robust ecosystem of domestic shipyards, engineering firms, and research institutions collaborating to push the boundaries of maritime technology. Leveraging advanced manufacturing techniques and cutting-edge design, Chinese shipyards have successfully delivered complex and innovative vessels tailored to the specific needs of various industries.
This progress is exemplified by the development of specialized vessels, including LNG carriers, container ships, and offshore drilling rigs, which have attracted international clients seeking high-quality vessels at competitive prices. Last month, in a bid to expand its LNG operations, Qatar ordered 18 of the world's largest LNG carriers from the China State Shipbuilding Corporation, with the order valued at nearly $6 billion. This deal is cited as possibly the largest single LNG order and one of the largest ever placed in the industry.
Reference(s):
China launches domestically developed large LNG carrier ship in Dalian
cgtn.com
