On November 4, Yangzi Xinfu Shipbuilding, a subsidiary of Yangzijiang Shipbuilding Group, delivered the “ACS SP OCEANUS,” the third 100,000 m³ Very Large Ethane Carrier (VLEC) built for SP Chemicals.
Classified by Bureau Veritas (BV) of France, this VLEC model has an overall length of 229.9 meters and a beam of 36.5 meters. The vessel is capable of safely transporting ultra-low-temperature liquefied ethane, ethylene, and LPG at -104°C, as well as other high-end chemical raw materials, and can simultaneously carry two types of liquid cargo.
This vessel is compatible with global mainstream liquefied gas terminal loading and unloading standards and meets the dimensional requirements of the Houston Waterway. It is an ethane carrier characterized by large cargo capacity, low evaporation rates, low energy consumption, high reliability, environmental friendliness, versatility, and excellent economic efficiency.
According to previous reports, Yangzi Xinfu Shipbuilding delivered the “ACS SP VOYAGER,” SP Chemicals’ first 100,000 m³ VLEC, in June 2026. This marks a key breakthrough for Yangzijiang Shipbuilding in the research, development, and construction of specialty gas carriers, enabling the company to successfully expand into the high-end VLEC market segment. As the first private shipbuilder in China to venture into VLEC construction, this achievement effectively rounds out the company’s portfolio of high-end specialty vessels.
The ACS SP OCEANUS is the third vessel in a series of five 100,000 m³ VLECs constructed by Yangzijiang Shipbuilding Group for SP Chemicals. Construction of the vessel began in mid-August 2025, and sea trials were completed in mid-October 2026. All test results met the design requirements, and the delivery documents were signed on November 2, 2026.