On September 1 (local time) at SMM Hamburg, the 12,500 m³ LNG bunkering vessel independently developed by CSSC Huangpu Wenchong received certificates of Approval in Principle (AIP) from Bureau Veritas (BV) and Lloyd’s Register (LR), marking a new achievement for Huangpu Wenchong in the independent R&D of clean energy bunkering equipment.
Huangpu Wenchong stated that LNG bunkering vessels are critical assets for establishing a maritime LNG fuel supply chain and supporting the shipping industry’s transition to green, low-carbon operations. The 12,500 m³ LNG bunkering vessel that received certification was developed entirely in-house by Huangpu Wenchong.
This vessel type has undergone multiple rounds of optimization focused on core performance metrics such as safety during offshore bunkering operations, maneuverability, reliability of cryogenic systems, and operational efficiency. All performance metrics meet the latest emission and safety standards set by the International Maritime Organization (IMO), making it suitable for use in major ports worldwide and for offshore floating refueling operations, with broad market prospects.
In recent years, Huangpu Wenchong has continued to deepen its expertise in liquefied gas carrier technology and steadily strengthen its core technical capabilities. In addition to the 12,500 m³ LNG bunkering vessel that recently secured dual-class approval, the shipbuilder’s independently developed 45,000 m³ LPG/NH3 carrier (featuring LPG or NH3 dual-fuel capability) and 13,000 m³ fully pressurized LPG carrier have also successfully obtained AIP certificates from classification societies.
Research and development on the 12,500 m³ ethylene carrier is currently progressing steadily. This initiative will further round out Huangpu Wenchong’s product portfolio in the field of cryogenic specialty gas carriers, establishing a proprietary vessel matrix that covers a wide range of clean energy and petrochemical gases—including LNG bunkering, LPG, liquid ammonia, and ethylene.
Huangpu Wenchong is the largest production base for small- and medium-sized gas carriers in South China, ranking third globally in market share for this vessel segment. Its current orderbook includes 25,000 m³ LPG/ammonia carriers (ammonia dual-fuel), 41,000 m³ LPG/ammonia carriers (ammonia dual-fuel), 48,000 m³ LPG/ammonia carriers, 60,000 m³ LPG/ammonia carriers (LPG dual-fuel), and 20,000 m³ LNG bunkering vessels. The first 48,000 m³ LPG/ammonia carrier has recently been delivered and entered service.