Wedoany.com Report-Jun 17, China’s COSCO Shipping (Qidong) Offshore and COSCO (Nantong) Shipyard have received certifications from Norway’s classification society DNV for their floating liquefied natural gas (FLNG) liquefaction and storage unit. According to a DNV social media post, the certifications include an Approval in Principle (AiP) and a Main Scantling Approval (MSA). The AiP verifies the stability, marine and electrical systems, and safety, while the MSA confirms the durability of critical structural components.

These assessments aim to reduce project risks early and advance the FLNG concept to its next development phase. The design supports the industry’s focus on flexible, lower-carbon energy solutions, fostering confidence in offshore LNG production.

Norbert Kray, DNV Regional Manager for Greater China, stated: “This innovative new FLNG concept reflects the industry’s drive for flexible, lower-carbon energy solutions. Building a platform of advanced, independent, and rigorous rules and standards helps build confidence across the industry, enabling them to take the steps forward in offshore LNG production.”

Qu Ming, General Manager of COSCO Shipping Heavy Industry (Qidong) and COSCO (Nantong) Shipyard, noted: “Both scalability and ease of construction characterize the newly developed near-shore standard FLNG hull design.” This approach is expected to streamline project timelines and reduce investment costs significantly.

Chinese shipyards, including those under COSCO, continue to play a prominent role in the global FLNG sector. In February 2025, COSCO Shipping Heavy Industries and COSCO Shipping LNG Investment signed a strategic cooperation agreement with France-based GTT to collaborate on LNG carriers, ethane carriers, FLNG units, and crude carriers. Additionally, in November 2024, Wison Offshore & Marine’s yard in Nantong launched the hull of Eni’s Nguya FLNG, set to operate off the coast of Congo, Africa, from September 2025. This project, Congo’s first natural gas liquefaction initiative, targets an annual production capacity of 3 million tons.

Chinese companies are also expanding partnerships in Africa’s gas sector. For instance, Shanghai-based Wison New Energies is engineering two FLNG units for Nigeria’s Ace Gas and Transoceanic Power, aimed at serving both export and domestic liquefied petroleum gas markets. These efforts highlight China’s growing expertise in delivering advanced FLNG solutions globally.