Construction has commenced on the world's first and largest 271,000-cubic-meter ultra-large liquefied natural gas (LNG) carrier at Hudong-Zhonghua Shipbuilding (Group) Co., Ltd., a subsidiary of China State Shipbuilding Corporation Limited. This project marks a milestone achievement in the high-end development of China's shipbuilding industry, with the first vessel scheduled for delivery in 2028.
The 271,000-cubic-meter QC-MAX type LNG vessel measures 344 meters in length and is equipped with the latest upgraded NO96 Super+ membrane containment system. It represents a comprehensive generational upgrade in key performance areas such as cargo capacity, energy efficiency, environmental protection, and navigation safety. Compared to the mainstream 174,000-cubic-meter traditional vessel type, the new ship's cargo capacity is increased by 57%, with its daily cargo boil-off rate controlled at 0.087%, effectively reducing LNG storage and transportation losses.
The mass construction of the world's largest-capacity LNG carriers will effectively address the global shortage of LNG shipping capacity and stabilize the international clean energy supply chain. The 271,000-cubic-meter ultra-large LNG vessels now under construction are part of Qatar's massive "Hundred Ships" LNG construction project. Hudong-Zhonghua has secured orders for 12 of the 174,000-cubic-meter large LNG carriers and 24 of the 271,000-cubic-meter ultra-large LNG carriers within this project. The total value of the order for the 24 ultra-large vessels exceeds 56 billion yuan, setting a global record for the highest-value single shipbuilding order.
LNG carriers are hailed as the "crown jewels" of the shipbuilding industry, characterized by high technological barriers in R&D and manufacturing and complex industrial chain requirements. Having specialized in LNG vessel development and construction for over two decades, Hudong-Zhonghua has achieved a leapfrog development from technology introduction and absorption to independent breakthroughs and now leads in multiple global technologies, positioning itself within the world's top tier of LNG shipbuilders.
Hudong-Zhonghua has reduced the global construction timeline for 174,000-cubic-meter LNG carriers to 16 months and has also set world records for the fastest sea trials and the highest standard of zero leakage points. The company is on track to deliver 11 large LNG carriers with high quality in 2025.
Currently, Hudong-Zhonghua holds nearly 60 LNG carrier orders awaiting construction. Measured by total cargo capacity, its order book ranks first globally, with its production schedule fully booked through 2030 and beyond.