Supporting the Battle for Clear Blue Skies! The “Green Pearl River” Project for 50 LNG-Powered Bulk Carriers Begins Construction

Supporting the Battle for Clear Blue Skies! Construction Begins on 50 LNG-Powered Bulk Carriers Under the “Green Pearl River” Project

On March 31, the LNG-powered bulk carrier project designed by Guangzhou Marine Engineering Corporation (GME) under China State Shipbuilding Corporation (CSSC) and built by Guangxi Shipbuilding Co., Ltd. under CSSC’s Guangxi subsidiary was officially launched with the first vessel’s keel laying ceremony for Pearl River Shipping Co., Ltd.

On March 11, GME, together with Guangxi Shipbuilding, signed a contract with the shipowner for the design and construction of 50 LNG single-fuel-powered bulk carriers, including:

• 25 vessels of 2,000 DWT class

• 25 vessels of 3,000 DWT class

Both vessel types follow green and environmentally friendly design concepts and adopt LNG single-fuel propulsion systems, meeting China’s Phase II emission standards and receiving classification from the China Classification Society (CCS).

During the design process, the project team conducted detailed studies on key performance indicators such as fuel consumption and deadweight capacity, while comprehensively considering vessel maneuverability, seaworthiness, safety, and economic efficiency.

A Green Transformation Project for Inland Shipping

The “Green Pearl River” project is a practical response to China’s long-term environmental goals, including carbon peaking and carbon neutrality. It will promote green development of inland waterways in Guangdong Province, support the development of green shipping, and contribute to the construction of a sustainable Greater Bay Area.

Led by GME and constructed by Guangxi Shipbuilding, the project has established a dedicated command structure within CSSC to coordinate design and construction activities. The teams will ensure the completion of each milestone on schedule and strive to develop the project into a national demonstration project for LNG single-fuel-powered vessels, contributing to the green transformation of Guangdong’s inland shipping industry during the 14th Five-Year Plan period.

Shipbuilding Knowledge: LNG Fuel and Carbon Goals

LNG fuel:
Compared with conventional marine fuels, liquefied natural gas can reduce CO₂ emissions by approximately 10%–25%, lower NOx emissions by around 85%–90%, and virtually eliminate SOx and particulate matter emissions, making it a cleaner low-carbon energy option.

Carbon peaking and carbon neutrality:
China aims to achieve carbon peaking before 2030, meaning carbon emissions will reach their highest point and then gradually decline, and achieve carbon neutrality before 2060, meaning a balance between carbon emissions and carbon removal. These targets are commonly referred to as the “3060 carbon goals.”