Following Hudong-Zhonghua Shipbuilding and Jiangnan Shipyard, Dalian Shipbuilding Industry Corporation (DSIC) has become China’s third shipbuilder to successfully deliver large LNG carriers.
On September 24, DSIC, a subsidiary of China State Shipbuilding Corporation, together with China Shipbuilding Trading Co., Ltd. (CSTC), held a naming and delivery ceremony for the 175,000 m3 liquefied natural gas (LNG) carrier “Haiyun” built for China Merchants Energy Shipping (CMES). This milestone marks DSIC’s formal entry into the ranks of the world’s very few shipbuilders with the capability to construct large-scale LNG carriers.
The LNG carrier “Haiyun”, independently developed and designed by DSIC, conforms to the latest international LNG carrier design concepts and integrates numerous cutting-edge technologies. The vessel has an overall length of 295 meters, a beam of 46.4 meters, a depth of 26.2 meters, a designed draft of 11.5 meters, a designed service speed of 19.5 knots, and a total cargo hold capacity of 175,000 m3. A fully loaded vessel can meet the entire city of Dalian’s LNG needs for one and a half months. It can berth at most major LNG shore terminals worldwide, demonstrating excellent port suitability and ship-shore compatibility.
The vessel is equipped with a new-generation LNG dual-fuel low-speed main engine integrated with an ICER system, meeting the International Maritime Organization’s highest emission standards in both fuel oil and gas modes. Its innovative twin-skeg hull design, combined with an air lubrication system, significantly enhances hydrodynamic performance and boosts propulsion system safety redundancy. The liquid cargo tanks utilize the GTT Mark III Flex containment system, achieving a daily evaporation rate of just 0.085%. Additionally, the vessel is equipped with a reliquefaction unit for efficient processing of LNG vapor.
The “Haiyun” vessel commenced construction at DSIC on June 1, 2023, marking the first vessel in a series of 175,000 m3 LNG carriers contracted between DSIC and China Merchants Energy Shipping. Currently, DSIC holds orders for 17 LNG carriers, with 13 vessels already under construction and 7 launched, establishing an industry-leading production capacity advantage.
To date, five shipbuilders in China are constructing large LNG carriers. Three of these are shipbuilders under China State Shipbuilding Corporation (CSSC)—Hudong-Zhonghua Shipbuilding, Jiangnan Shipyard, and DDSIC. The other two are China Merchants Industry and Yangzijiang Shipbuilding.
Moreover, Hengli Heavy Industries has entered into a patent cooperation agreement with GTT for membrane containment systems earlier this year, marking its official entry into the large LNG carrier construction sector. The company is poised to become China’s sixth shipbuilder and the second privately-owned facility capable of building large LNG carriers.