China's first 88000 cubic meters super large liquefied gas carrier named Jiangsu Qidong

On September 8, Qidong COSCO Shipping Heavy Industry held a naming ceremony for the first domestically built 88,000-cubic-meter Very Large Gas Carrier (88K VLGC) N1253. The ship was officially named "Changpingyuan." As the first domestically designed and constructed VLGC flying the five-star red flag, and the largest VLGC model in China using LPG dual fuel and capable of passing through the old Panama Canal locks, it was delivered three months ahead of schedule with high quality. This marks a milestone breakthrough for Qidong COSCO Shipping Heavy Industry in the field of independent design and construction of large gas carriers. It is also a symbolic achievement of the deep integration of the COSCO Shipping Group's internal industrial chain collaboration and party building.

Technology Leadership Sets a New Industry Benchmark

The "Changpingyuan" is the first ship built by Qidong COSCO Shipping Heavy Industry as it transitions from offshore equipment construction to the high-end gas carrier construction sector. It is also the first self-built and self-operated VLGC of the COSCO Shipping Group. The vessel has a total length of approximately 230 meters, a width of 32.25 meters, a depth of 23.85 meters, and a structural draft of 12.2 meters. It features a new low-resistance upright bow design, is equipped with four independent Type A cargo tanks, and includes the first domestically built 300-cubic-meter deck tank. The ship employs advanced cryogenic welding technology. It is powered by an LPG dual-fuel main engine and a shaft generator and is equipped with an intelligent ship system that meets the China Classification Society's i-ship (N, M, E, I) classification requirements. This system includes intelligent navigation, intelligent engine room, intelligent energy efficiency, and an intelligent integration platform, providing energy-saving recommendations and decision-making assistance, optimizing navigation operations, controlling fuel consumption, and significantly improving operational efficiency. Compared to fuel oil, using LPG fuel can reduce carbon dioxide emissions by about 20%, sulfur oxides, and particulate matter emissions by about 90%, showcasing significant environmental advantages. This ship is currently the largest VLGC capable of navigating both the new and old Panama Canal locks.

Notably, the ship possesses excellent multi-category transportation capabilities, capable of transporting nine types of liquefied gases, including LPG and liquid ammonia. It is precisely aligned with the growing demand in the global liquid ammonia shipping market, highlighting its market adaptability and forward-looking development. This design fully aligns with the shipping industry's trend toward green, low-carbon, and sustainable development, providing an efficient and reliable Chinese solution for global clean energy transportation.

Collaborative Efforts Highlight Integrated Industrial Chain Advantages

The successful delivery of this ship is a benchmark achievement of joint efforts between COSCO Shipping Heavy Industry and COSCO Shipping Energy. During the construction process, the shipowner Dalian Haineng and Qidong COSCO Shipping Heavy Industry deepened their collaborative mechanism of "joint problem-solving, synchronized resonance, and aligned efforts." Using the "Joint Learning to Strengthen Foundations, Co-construction to Promote Development" party committee joint learning activity as a link, they promoted the deep integration of party building and business. The project party branch established a party member task force to tackle key technical challenges, such as A-tank positioning, cryogenic steel welding, and cargo system installation. They collaborated with LR, CCS classification societies, and industry experts to conduct more than ten special technical briefings, ensuring efficient progress across the design, construction, and commissioning chain, with all critical milestones under control.

The successful completion of the "Changpingyuan" fully demonstrates the core advantages of the group's integrated industrial chain and collaborative innovation. It is the result of strong support from partners such as the China Classification Society and Lloyd's Register, as well as the collective efforts and meticulous craftsmanship of all participants involved in the project.

Seizing Opportunities to Forge High-End Manufacturing Strength

The "Changpingyuan" is the first ship in a series of four VLGCs under construction, with the subsequent three ships progressing in an orderly manner. This signifies that Qidong COSCO Shipping Heavy Industry has acquired the capability for large-scale construction of high-end VLGCs. At the beginning of the "15th Five-Year Plan," COSCO Shipping Group is accelerating the construction of global channels and promoting green and low-carbon transformation and upgrading. Qidong COSCO Shipping Heavy Industry will take this naming ceremony as a new starting point, continue to focus on technological innovation, improve management standards, strictly control construction quality, and strive to make this series of ships a benchmark project in the industry, continuously empowering the upgrade of energy fleets and the development of green transformation.