The World’s Latest Generation Has Arrived! Construction Begins on China’s Fifth-Generation Large LNG Carrier
The World’s Latest Generation Has Arrived! Construction Begins on China’s Fifth-Generation Large LNG Carrier
On August 5, the first vessel of the “CNOOC Medium- and Long-Term FOB Resource Supporting LNG Carrier Project” commenced construction at Changxing Shipbuilding Base. The vessel is being built by Hudong-Zhonghua Shipbuilding, a subsidiary of China State Shipbuilding Corporation (CSSC).
This marks a milestone moment for China’s shipbuilding industry. It signifies that China’s fifth-generation “Changheng Series” 174,000-cubic-meter LNG carrier, independently developed and designed by Chinese shipbuilders and representing the world’s most advanced technology level in large LNG carrier construction, has moved from design concepts into actual shipbuilding.
The milestone represents a significant step in China’s journey in LNG carrier research and development—from following, to catching up, and now leading globally.
In December 2021, the “Changheng Series” design, featuring fully independent intellectual property rights and integrating the latest design concepts, advanced technologies, superior environmental performance, forward-looking solutions, and the accumulated expertise of Hudong-Zhonghua’s previous four generations of LNG carriers, received General Design Approval (GDA) and Principle Class Approval (PCA) certifications from four internationally recognized classification societies.
The certification provided the foundation for actual vessel construction, attracted global attention, and generated a wave of orders.
By the end of July, Hudong-Zhonghua had secured orders for a total of 20 vessels, setting a new record for the highest-value single LNG carrier order placed with a Chinese shipbuilder and becoming one of the most sought-after LNG carrier designs in the market.
Fifth-Generation “Changheng Series” LNG Carrier
Developed according to the latest global design concepts, the fifth-generation “Changheng Series” LNG carrier has an overall length of 299 meters, a molded breadth of 46.4 meters, and a molded depth of 26.25 meters. It adopts the latest-generation twin-skeg hull form and incorporates multiple low-carbon and energy-saving technologies.
Four Key Advantages
Excellent speed performance and low overall energy consumption
The vessel adopts Hudong-Zhonghua’s fourth-generation twin-skeg design, achieving an optimal balance between reduced resistance and improved propulsion efficiency. Compared with previous-generation vessels, it can reduce carbon emissions by more than 10 tonnes per day during navigation.
Outstanding low-temperature performance and strong global applicability
When equipped with the latest-generation NO96 Super+ containment system, the vessel achieves a 15% reduction in boil-off rate compared with the previous system and can serve 120 LNG terminals across all continents worldwide.
Lightweight design and stronger cargo capacity
The vessel adopts an integrated lightweight design approach. Compared with previous-generation vessels, it can carry an additional 800 cubic meters of LNG per voyage.
Smart operation and maintenance with strong route adaptability
The vessel can be equipped with a 1.5–2.3 tonne reliquefaction system, enabling flexible management of boil-off gas requirements for short-, medium-, and long-distance routes.
LNG carriers, together with aircraft carriers and luxury cruise ships, are widely regarded as the “crown jewels” of global shipbuilding due to their extremely high design and construction complexity. Currently, only a limited number of shipyards worldwide possess the capability to build such vessels.
Over the past two decades, Hudong-Zhonghua has started from the ground up, continuously pursued technological breakthroughs, and overcome numerous challenges to become one of the world’s leading LNG carrier builders.
According to statistics, Hudong-Zhonghua has delivered more than 30 large LNG carriers and LNG-related facilities, as well as five 23,000 TEU LNG dual-fuel-powered container ships, the world’s largest of their kind. The company has also developed and reserved multiple world-leading LNG technologies, including 270,000-cubic-meter ultra-large LNG carriers and LNG power generation vessels, becoming a major global player in LNG equipment development.
The first phase of the “CNOOC Medium- and Long-Term FOB Resource Supporting LNG Carrier Project” includes the construction of six 174,000-cubic-meter LNG carriers.
Hudong-Zhonghua stated that it will work closely with partners including CNOOC Energy Development, COSCO Shipping, and Mitsui O.S.K. Lines (MOL) to jointly build the world’s latest-generation LNG carriers featuring safety, reliability, advanced design, and outstanding performance. The project will provide world-class equipment for China’s clean energy transportation sector and better support the nation’s energy development strategy.
