On December 29, COSCO Shipping Heavy Industry (Dalian) held the naming ceremony for the 6,300m³ LPG/ammonia carrier (N1213) “Antai Yuan”, built for Dalian Haineng New Energy. This vessel is the second of two multi-purpose liquefied gas carriers developed through the collaboration between COSCO Shipping Heavy Industry (Dalian) and Dalian Haineng New Energy.
Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) and liquid ammonia serve as vital chemical feedstocks for the national economy, widely utilized in energy supply, chemical production, agricultural fertilization and other sectors. Among these, liquid ammonia, due to its zero-carbon combustion properties, stands as a core alternative energy source for shipping decarbonization; LPG functions as a critical transitional energy source in the energy transition. The transportation of both media imposes stringent demands on vessels regarding low-temperature resistance, corrosion resistance, safety protection and system compatibility.
The Antaiyuan has an overall length of 110.0 meters, a beam of 20.0 meters, a depth of 10.5 meters, a structural draft of 6.7 meters, and a speed of 13.5 knots. As a high-end gas carrier, the vessel is equipped with two independent Type-C cargo tanks and one deck tank, enabling the transport of over ten types of liquefied gases including anhydrous ammonia and LPG. It demonstrates outstanding cargo adaptability and operational flexibility. Additionally, it incorporates a pre-engineered design for ammonia fuel, reserving space for future upgrades to zero-carbon propulsion systems.
In terms of environmental performance, the main engine’s NOx emissions meet IMO Tier III and China’s Domestic Sea-Going Vessels Act C2 standards, while the auxiliary engine’s NOx emissions comply with IMO Tier II and C2 standards. CO₂ emissions satisfy IMO EEDI Phase III requirements, aligning with the latest environmental conventions of the International Maritime Organization. The vessel is also equipped with energy-saving systems such as shaft generators and variable-frequency drives for seawater pumps, balancing green, low-carbon operations with economic efficiency. This design provides advantages for both domestic and international trade operations.
As the first LPG/liquid ammonia carrier built by Dalian COSCO Shipping Heavy Industry, the naming of the “Antai Yuan” marks a new breakthrough in the company’s gas carrier technology and provides valuable experience for the construction of domestically produced high-end gas carriers. The vessel will join the fleet of Dalian COSCO Shipping Energy Supply Chain Co., Ltd., serving domestic coastal chemical gas transportation. It will help expand transport capacity, diversify cargo types, and empower the company to build first-class LPG/liquid ammonia logistics services.