The 14,000 m3 LNG (liquefied natural gas) bunkering vessel built by Hudong-Zhonghua, a subsidiary of China State Shipbuilding Corporation (CSSC), has successfully completed gas trials. This vessel was designed specifically for Anhui Changjiang LNG, an LNG terminal operator in Wuhu, Anhui province.
Yangtze River Gasification Initiative
In 2022, this vessel was commissioned as part of an initiative to gasify the Yangtze River. The main objective is to transform ships that currently use heavy oil and diesel into LNG-fueled vessels, thus achieving a significant reduction in polluting emissions.
In January 2024, Hudong-Zhonghua held the ship’s launching ceremony. Now, following the completion of gas testing and berthing at Changxing Base Dock Number 0, the shipbuilder has reached a new achievement in LNG carrier design and construction.
Technical characteristics of the LNG bunkering vessel
The vessel is classed by the China Classification Society (CCS) and boasts impressive dimensions: an overall length of 130 meters, a width of 23.60 meters and a depth of 15 meters. This vessel is equipped with a Type B containment system, independently designed by Hudong-Zhonghua and is prepared to offer LNG transportation and refueling services both on the river and at sea.
Additionally, the ship incorporates a dozen types of equipment being used for the first time on a vessel of this type, such as the first domestic LD compressor, a cryogenic pump and a deep cold device. The shipbuilder noted that these developments have a localization rate of over 80%.
Date of delivery of the vessel
Finally, the delivery of the LNG bunkering vessel is scheduled for August this year, marking a significant step in the advancement of LNG infrastructure in China.
The adoption of LNG in shipping and land transport is increasing globally, driven by the need to reduce emissions and comply with increasingly stringent environmental regulations. This trend promises not only to improve air quality, but also to create new business opportunities in the LNG supply chain.
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Source and photo: offshore-energy