Hudong-Zhonghua and Everllence partner on 180,000m³ LNG carrier

Vessel will feature Everllence’s DFE+ propulsion system.

Hudong-Zhonghua Shipbuilding (Group) Co. Ltd. has signed an Engineering Design Agreement with Everllence to develop a 180,000-cubic-metre-class LNG carrier featuring an Everllence DFE+ dual-fuel electric propulsion system.

The Chinese state-owned shipbuilder based in Shanghai is working with Everllence on the propulsion system as the shipping industry faces tighter International Maritime Organization (IMO) Carbon Intensity Indicator (CII) requirements.

The agreement was signed on 5 June 2026 by Yang Chunhua, Technical Centre Deputy Director at Hudong-Zhonghua, while Pan Ke, Head of Sales & Projects, Four-Stroke China, represented Everllence.

The partnership builds on previous cooperation between the two companies, which have worked together on the delivery of 10 conventional DFDE (Dual-Fuel Diesel Electric) LNG carriers.

“Decarbonisation is an obvious development trend in the shipping industry” said Song Wei, chief technical engineer of Hudong-Zhonghua. “Ship owners are currently faced with unprecedented challenges and uncertainties as they are fighting to achieve the GHG Net Zero Emissions by 2050.

Dominik Thoma, global manager LNG Cargo at Everllence, said individual technology providers can now achieve only marginal efficiency improvements. He said larger gains require closer cooperation between shipyards and engine manufacturers.

“Hudong-Zhonghua – as a market leader within the construction of LNG Carriers – and Everllence – as market leader in the design and manufacture of four-stroke engines – possess the joint capabilities to bring propulsion systems to the next level,” added Thoma.