On August 19, Yangzi Xinfu Shipbuilding, a subsidiary of Yangzijiang Shipbuilding, delivered the second 100,000-cubic-meter very large ethane carrier (VLEC) “ACS SP NEREUS” to SP Chemicals.
The “ACS SP NEREUS” is the second of five 100,000-cubic-meter VLEC-class vessels built by Yangzijiang Shipbuilding for SP Chemicals. Construction began in early June 2025, and the vessel was launched and outfitted in late October of that year. It successfully completed sea trials in late July 2026, with all test results meeting design requirements. The vessel is classified by Bureau Veritas (BV).
As previously reported, the first 100,000-cubic-meter VLEC vessel built by Yangzi Xinfu Shipbuilding for SP Chemicals, the “ACS SP VOYAGER,” was delivered in June 2026.
The completion and delivery of the “ACS SP VOYAGER” marks a key breakthrough for Yangzijiang Shipbuilding in the research, development, and construction of specialty gas carriers, successfully opening up the high-end VLEC market segment. As the first private shipyard in China to venture into VLEC construction, this achievement effectively rounds out the company’s portfolio of high-end specialty vessels.
This VLEC has an overall length of 229.9 meters, a beam of 36.5 meters, and a draft of 22.5 meters. It is capable of safely transporting ultra-low-temperature liquefied ethane, ethylene, LPG, and other high-end chemical raw materials at -104°C, and can simultaneously carry two types of liquid cargo.
Compatible with global mainstream liquefied gas terminal loading and unloading standards and meeting the dimensional requirements of the Houston Waterway, this vessel is an ethane carrier characterized by large cargo capacity, low evaporation rates, low energy consumption, high reliability, environmental friendliness, versatility, and excellent economic efficiency.