en.Wedoany.com Reported - On June 9, the world's first batch and currently the largest 271,000 cubic meter ultra-large liquefied natural gas (LNG) carrier officially commenced construction at Hudong-Zhonghua Shipbuilding (Group) Co., Ltd., a subsidiary of China State Shipbuilding Corporation. Against the backdrop of volatile geopolitical situations and a complex global economic and trade environment, the official start of this project will significantly boost confidence in the stable development of China's entire LNG industry chain both domestically and internationally, propelling China steadily towards becoming a global shipbuilding powerhouse.
The 271,000 cubic meter QC-MAX LNG carrier boasts top-tier comprehensive performance in the industry. With an overall length of 344 meters, the vessel is equipped with the latest upgraded NO96 Super+ membrane containment system, achieving comprehensive iterative upgrades in key performance areas such as cargo capacity, energy efficiency and environmental protection, and navigation safety. Compared to mainstream 174,000 cubic meter conventional vessels on the market, this new type increases cargo capacity by 57%, with a daily boil-off rate controlled at 0.087%, effectively reducing LNG storage and transportation losses. The vessel is powered by an efficient dual-fuel power system, and combined with optimized streamlined hull design, its energy consumption per unit of transport capacity and carbon emission indicators are significantly improved, fully meeting the highest environmental regulations of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) Tier III. It offers outstanding advantages such as large carrying capacity, low energy consumption, low carbon and environmental friendliness, and high safety and reliability, and can dock at most mainstream LNG terminals worldwide, providing broad adaptability for deep-sea routes.
It is reported that this project is part of the QatarEnergy-related LNG construction program. In the bidding for this multi-billion dollar project, Hudong-Zhonghua secured a total of 36 newbuilding orders, including 12 174,000 cubic meter large LNG carriers and 24 271,000 cubic meter ultra-large LNG carriers, making it the largest contractor for the project. The total value of the 24 271,000 cubic meter ultra-large LNG carrier orders exceeds 56 billion RMB.
LNG carriers are hailed as the "jewel on the crown" of the shipbuilding industry, requiring high technical thresholds for R&D and manufacturing, as well as complex industrial chain coordination. Having deeply cultivated LNG ship development for over two decades, Hudong-Zhonghua has achieved leapfrog growth from technology introduction and digestion, to independently overcoming challenges, and now leading globally in multiple technologies, successfully joining the world's first tier of LNG shipbuilders. Relying on independently controllable core technologies, a complete domestic upstream and downstream industrial chain, and mass production experience, Hudong-Zhonghua currently holds nearly 60 LNG carrier orders awaiting construction. In terms of total tank capacity, it ranks first globally, with production schedules extending beyond 2030. Its product portfolio covers all categories of conventional large and ultra-large LNG carriers.
The batch construction of the world's largest capacity ultra-large LNG carriers not only highlights Hudong-Zhonghua's advanced shipbuilding capabilities but also marks a milestone in the high-end, intelligent, and green development of China's shipbuilding industry. Upon delivery, this series of vessels will effectively fill the global LNG shipping capacity gap and stabilize the international clean energy supply chain. Leveraging years of lean construction experience and breakthroughs in the localization of the entire industrial chain, Hudong-Zhonghua has compressed the construction cycle for global 174,000 cubic meter LNG carriers to 16 months, set world records for the fastest sea trials and the highest zero-leakage points for LNG carriers, and achieved batch high-quality delivery of 11 large LNG carriers in 2025. In the future, Hudong-Zhonghua will steadily advance the construction of the first 271,000 cubic meter series LNG carrier, scheduled for completion and delivery in 2028, and will fulfill the entire series of vessels on time and with high quality, safeguarding the security and stability of the global energy industry chain with outstanding strength and accelerating the green transformation of international shipping.
This article is compiled by Wedoany. All AI citations must indicate the source as "Wedoany". If there is any infringement or other issues, please notify us promptly, and we will modify or delete it accordingly. Email: news@wedoany.com
