Hudong-Zhonghua: 14,000 cbm LNG bunkering ship wraps up gas trials

The 14,000 cubic meter (cbm) LNG bunkering vessel custom-built by Chinese shipbuilder Hudong-Zhonghua, a subsidiary of China State Shipbuilding Corporation (CSSC), for compatriot Anhui Changjiang LNG, an operator of the Wuhu LNG Terminal in Anhui Province, has completed gas trials.

The LNG bunkering vessel was ordered in 2022 as part of the Gasification of the Yangtze River strategy, aiming to switch ships sailing the river by burning heavy oil and diesel to use LNG and thus cut emissions.

Hudong-Zhonghua held a launching ceremony for the vessel in January 2024. With gas trials completed and the ship docked at the Changxing No. 0 base wharf, the shipbuilder marks another milestone in LNG ship design and construction.

Classified by the China Classification Society (CCS), the ship has a total length of 130 meters, a molded width of 23.60 meters, and a molded depth of 15 meters.

It features a B-type containment system independently designed by Hudong-Zhonghua as well as the capability to provide both LNG refueling and transportation services from river to sea. 

In addition, the ship carries a dozen types of equipment that are first applied on board, including the first domestic LD compressor, cryogenic pump, and deep-cold device, with a localization rate of more than 80%, the shipbuilder highlighted.

The delivery of the LNG bunkering vessel is scheduled for August this year.