Chinese shipping company China Merchants Energy Shipping (CMES) has moved forward with fleet expansion plans by signing contracts for the construction of two massive liquefied natural gas (LNG) carriers and two Aframax crude oil tankers.
Dalian Shipbuilding has secured the shipbuilding contracts for the vessels, the construction of which was approved two weeks ago.
The newly signed LNG carriers have a total cargo capacity of 175,000 cubic meters, and they will feature LNG dual-fuel low-speed main engines. The vessels’ propulsion systems will be equipped with iCER technology to minimize methane emissions, adhering to the International Maritime Organization’s strictest emission standards in both fuel and gas modes.
The hull shape of the LNG carriers will have an optimized design that reduces self-propelled resistance and enhances propulsion efficiency, resulting in increased hydrodynamic performance. The carriers’ Energy Efficiency Design Index (EEDI) surpasses the third-stage requirements by 50%, making them eco-friendly and economically beneficial, the shipping company explained.
The cargo containment system utilizes GTT MarkIII Flex type and exhibits a natural evaporation rate of 0.085% per day. Furthermore, the ships’ reliquefaction device will enable efficient handling of LNG evaporation gas during low-speed navigation, CMES said.
In addition to the LNG carriers, the contract also encompasses the construction of two 115,000-ton crude oil tankers. These vessels’ design is tailored to meet the specific requirements of China National Petroleum Corporation (CNPC).
With a length of approximately 243 meters and a molded width of 44 meters, these tankers have the capacity to carry around 800,000 barrels of crude oil. The tankers will be equipped with advanced features such as course-stabilizing fins, energy guide wheels, and vortex-eliminating fins. Their main engines and generators are fitted with selective catalytic reduction (SCR) denitrification and desulfurization scrubber equipment. Furthermore, the design allows for potential conversion to methanol power at a later stage.