On July 16, Jiangnan Shipyard officially signed off and delivered the first 93,000 cbm very large ammonia carrier (VLAC) built for AW Shipping.
The 93,000 cbm VLAC is a derivative (Panda 93A) of the fourth-generation VLGC premium ship type independently developed and designed by Jiangnan Shipyard. This vessel is currently the world’s largest liquid ammonia carrier, with a total length of 230.0 meters, a depth of 22.5 meters, and a structural draft of 13.0 meters.
Classified by Lloyd’s Register, this vessel type was designed with the higher density of anhydrous liquid ammonia compared to conventional liquefied petroleum gas in mind. As a result, the liquid cargo tanks were specially reinforced. Additionally, the vessel incorporates a new-generation, low-drag hull form developed entirely in-house, enabling it to deliver outstanding and balanced performance under full-load, ballast, and various liquid cargo loading conditions with differing specific gravities.
According to previous reports, the contract for this series of vessels was signed on July 23, 2024, and includes 2+2 93,000 cbm VLACs and 9 99,000 cbm Very Large Ethane Carriers (VLECs). The VLACs are expected to be delivered between 2026 and 2028; the VLECs began deliveries in 2025, and each vessel has secured a 20-year long-term charter contract.