On October 20, COSCO SHIPPING (Qidong) Offshore held a naming ceremony for the second vessel in its series of 88,000 m³ Very Large Gas Carriers (VLGCs). The new vessel was officially named “Chang’anyuan,” marking the transition of this vessel type from the challenging phase of building the first unit to a new stage of serialized, mass production.
COSCO SHIPPING (Qidong) Offshore stated that the “Chang’anyuan” has exactly the same technical specifications as the first vessel in the series, the “Changpingyuan.” The vessel has an overall length of 229.9 meters and a beam of 32.25 meters. It features an A-type independent liquid cargo tank structure and is classified by the China Classification Society and Lloyd’s Register.
Equipped with a dual-fuel propulsion system, the vessel is capable of transporting a wide range of liquefied gases, including liquid ammonia. It incorporates smart shipping features—such as intelligent navigation, an intelligent engine room, and smart energy efficiency management—while the use of LPG as fuel significantly reduces carbon and sulfur oxide emissions. This design aligns perfectly with the industry’s shift toward greener, low-carbon, and digitally intelligent operations, and is well-positioned to meet the growing global demand for liquid ammonia transport, offering strong market adaptability.
Following its delivery and entry into service, the “Chang’an Yuan”—alongside its sister vessel, the “Changping Yuan”—will venture into the deep ocean. This will further bolster my country’s fleet of high-end liquefied gas carriers, enhance the nation’s competitiveness in the international LPG and chemical gas shipping markets, and strengthen the security of energy supply chains. Furthermore, it will support the development of a Northeast Asian shipping hub, while contributing to the implementation of China’s “dual carbon” strategy, the global energy transition, and the sustainable development of the shipping industry.