On July 21, Jiangsu Yangzi-Mitsui Shipbuilding completed construction of the 40,000 m³ Type A-tank dual-fuel LPG carrier “MFM NICOLE” and dispatched the vessel on its maiden voyage from its dock, marking delivery to a Japanese shipowner.
The “MFM NICOLE” is the first vessel in a series of six ships. It has an overall length of 180.00 meters, a beam of 29.00 meters, a depth of 19.00 meters, a structural draft of 10.60 meters, and a design speed of 16 knots. The vessel is classed by LR. Construction began on May 12, 2025, and sea trials were successfully completed on June 14, 2026.
The vessel is equipped with three independent prismatic Type A liquid cargo tanks with a total capacity of 40,000 cubic meters. It has a minimum operating temperature of -50°C and a maximum specific gravity of 690 kg/m³ when fully loaded. It can flexibly carry a variety of liquefied gases, including anhydrous ammonia, propane, and butane, offering advantages such as broad cargo adaptability, strong loading capacity, and safety and reliability. Thanks to an optimized ship design and liquid cargo tank layout, the vessel is compatible with major liquefied gas terminals worldwide, offering excellent operational flexibility and market adaptability.
In addition, the vessel is equipped with an LPG dual-fuel main engine, and both the main and auxiliary engines are fitted with SCR systems that meet Tier III emission standards, enabling near-zero nitrogen oxide emissions. It is a medium-sized, fully refrigerated liquefied petroleum gas carrier that combines environmental friendliness, low energy consumption, long range, and excellent operational efficiency, with overall technical performance reaching advanced industry standards.
Yangzijiang Shipbuilding stated that the successful delivery of this vessel will further expand the Group’s portfolio of high-end gas carriers, enhance its shipbuilding capabilities and market competitiveness in the field of clean energy gas carriers, and lay a solid foundation for the high-quality construction and delivery of subsequent vessels in the series.