On November 5, the Singapore-flagged LNG carrier GreenEnergy Moon, a fifth-generation large liquefied natural gas (LNG) carrier built and independently developed by China State Shipbuilding Corporation’s Hudong-Zhonghua Shipbuilding, departed from Changxing Island for its next port of call.
The GreenEnergy Moon is part of the Changheng Series of LNG carriers, with its technical specifications, efficiency metrics and quality standards reaching internationally leading levels. The series’ first vessel, GreenEnergy Ocean, was delivered five months ahead of schedule in May 2024, boasting a maximum loading capacity of 174,000 cubic meters.
This vessel integrates the world’s most advanced design concepts, optimal technical equipment, and strongest environmental performance. It achieves independent control over key technologies, significantly enhances overall performance metrics, reduces construction costs, and shortens the building cycle. The domestic content rate has risen to over 80%, with its full LNG capacity sufficient to supply Shanghai residents for half a month.
This series of vessels is equipped with the world’s first re-liquefaction system and a domestically developed waste recycling system. These innovations effectively reduce carbon emissions and LNG consumption during operation, enhance energy efficiency, and lower costs for shipowners, making them highly sought after in the market. Additionally, the vessels feature collision avoidance systems that automatically steer clear of vessels in close proximity, significantly improving navigational safety and reliability.
Among them, the new buildings of “Changheng Series” LNG carriers “GreenEnergy Ocean”, “GreenEnergy Pearl”, “GreenEnergy Star” and “GreenEnergy Moon” have been delivered and put into operation, and sister vessels such as “GreenEnergy River” and “GreenEnergy Sea” will be delivered in succession.
Since the beginning of this year, Hudong-Zhonghua Shipbuilding has delivered eight large newbuild LNG carriers, achieving its full-year 2024 delivery target two months ahead of schedule and successfully completing the LNG production capacity doubling plan under the 14th Five-Year Plan. In 2025, Hudong-Zhonghua Shipbuilding is expected to deliver 11 large LNG carriers, setting a new national record for annual deliveries.