| China's first 30,000 m³ LNG carrier launched |
| China’s first 30,000 m³ LNG carrier, designed by Shanghai Ship Research and Design Institute (SDARI), the leading ship design company in China, was launched on 4 March for test voyage. Hai Yang Shi You 301 was developed by SDARI for CNOOC Energy Technology & Services and constructed at China State Shipbuilding Corporation's Jiangnan Shipyard. This ship is the first LNG feeder developed by a Chinese company, and also a type C LNG carrier with the largest hold capacity. The carrier adopts bi-fuel generator sets and rudder propellers, which releases lesser emission than the requirements by international conventions while meeting the Green Ship I criteria by China Classification Society, according to SDARI. The feeder will be used for the shipment between large LNG reception terminals in China and LNG satellite stations. Currently, China has 10 LNG reception stations, while another 12 stations are under construction. By 2020, China is expected to establish the capacity to receive over 70 million tonnes of LNG per year. Currently, only two companies – CNOOC Energy Technology & Services and Zhejiang Huaxiang Shipping – are authorised for coastal and inland river LNG shipping in China. Aside from Hai Yang Shi You 301, CNOOC Energy Technology & Services has another 30,000 m³ LNG carrier under construction at Jiangnan Shipyard, and Zhejiang Huaxiang Shipping has placed order for one 14,000 m³ LNG carrier at Qidong Shunfeng Ship Heavy Industries. Another two LNG feeders – one 28,000 m³ carrier for Dalian Intech and one 30,000 m³ carrier for Zhejiang Yuanhe Shipping – are also under construction. All five LNG carriers are scheduled to be delivered in the first half of 2015 and registered with CCS, the source from CCS told IHS Maritime. |