CSSC announces historic deal with QatarEnergy

On 29th April, China State Shipbuilding Corporation Limited (‘CSSC’), the world's largest shipbuilder, has secured shipbuilding contracts for up to eighteen 271,000 cubic meters LNG carriers (‘QC-Max LNGCs’) from the energy tycoon QatarEnergy. The senior managers of both parties attended the stunning signing ceremony in Beijing.

As one of the most challenging ship types to be designed and constructed, the LNG carrier is known as "one of the three crown jewels" in global shipbuilding industry. These ultra-large LNG carriers, namely QC-MaxLNGCs, representing China-Qatar Max, will be designed and built by CSSC Hudong-Zhonghua Shipbuilding (Group) Co., Ltd. (‘Hudong-Zhonghua’), the first shipyard in China capable of building high-tec LNG carriers. The vessel is 344 meters long, 53.6 meters wide, 27.2 meters deep and has a design draft of 12 meters. It is propelled by dual-fuel low-speed engines and equipped with an N096 Super+ containment system. Compared to 174,000 cubic meters LNG carriers, this type of vessel has a significantly higher cargo capacity as well as superior performance in safety, maneuverability, and compatibility. For example, the capacity is increased by 57%, while the energy consumption of tonne-nautical-mile transport is reduced by 9.9%, and the carbon intensity indicator (‘CII’) is reduced by 23%.

Back in 2020, CSSC entered into an agreement with QatarEnergy to establish the comprehensive strategic partnership for the fleet expansion program. In 2022, Hudong-Zhonghua together with CSTC was firstly partnered with QatarEnergy for twelve 174,000 cubic meters LNG carriers. After the successful delivery of these new ultra-large LNG carriers, QatarEnergy will further boost the shipping capacity for its LNG production.

The current order is the major indication that CSSC has improved its influence on the international field of building ultra-large LNG carriers. It also represents that China has achieved significant improvements in LNG carriers' R&D as well as construction via striving for technically excellence.

Additionally, 99 vessels in QatarEnergy’s shipbuilding program will feature CSSC WinGD main engines. This is another milestone to further show the continuous development of CSSC in LNG carrier industry chain as well as supply chain. It not only promotes the strategic partnership between CSSC and QatarEnergy to a new level, but also builds long-term stable energy cooperation between China and Qatar.

Written by Chen Shenyuan

Proofread by Huang Chongyang