Chinese shipyard Hudong-Zhonghua Shipbuilding has launched a new 80,000 cbm liquefied natural gas (LNG) carrier from its shipyard in Pudong, Shanghai.
As informed, the launching ceremony took place on 26 November. The ship was docked on 16 May, while the floating node was completed in August.
The loading and welding work of all engine room areas was completed by the end of September. The company’s team worked with Zhang Yifei Welding Laboratory in terms of welding, which was later on inspected. Other details were not disclosed.
Recently, the Chinese shipyard held a keel laying ceremony for the fourth LNG carrier being built for CSSC Shipping.
The LNG carrier belongs to the company’s LNG ship type of the X-DF series. These vessels are propelled by dual-fuel low-speed diesel engines and equipped with advanced environmental protection devices, the selective catalytic reduction (SCR) devices.
Furthermore, it is designed to meet the most stringent emission standards of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) and the IMO TIER III environmental protection requirements.
The LNG market is experiencing a ‘perfect storm’, as explained by Panos Mitrou , Lloyd’s Register’s Global Gas Segment Director.
The pressure of the energy transition combined with the Ukraine crisis have seen a major increase in investment in liquefaction plants and a greater appetite for expanded Qatari production of gas. The demand for LNG imports is further ramping up as countries look at alternatives to Russian imports, spurring the demand for LNG carriers.
The LNG carrier market is expected to record a compound annual growth rate, or CAGR, of approximately 3.6% from 2022-2027.