China expands LNG fleet with largest homegrown carrier

The ship can carry 180,000 cubic meters of LNG and uses a dual-fuel, low-speed propulsion system.

China has delivered its largest domestically designed and built liquefied natural gas (LNG) carrier.

The vessel, Celsius Georgetown, left for Singapore after being handed over at 10:50 a.m. from a dock at China Merchants Heavy Industry (Jiangsu) Co., Ltd.

Measuring 298.8 meters in length and 48 meters in width, the ship can carry 180,000 cubic meters of LNG. It uses a dual-fuel, low-speed propulsion system.

Border inspection officials boarded the vessel ahead of departure to speed up clearance and allow it to sail under favourable tide conditions.

Lu Jinlong, manager of the LNG carrier programme at China Merchants Heavy Industry (Jiangsu), said the company has secured orders for six similar LNG carriers.

Five are still under construction, with the next delivery expected in about three months.

LNG carriers transport natural gas cooled to around -163°C, which reduces its volume for shipping.