LR supports Chinese LNG carrier newbuilds

LR regards this as a milestone project in Chinese shipbuilding and a key indicator in the development of China’s LNG ambitions. When delivered, the ships will load LNG in Australia for a number of Chinese import terminals. The first steel will be cut in January 2014, and the final ship is scheduled for delivery in the fourth quarter of 2017.

The ships will be fitted with medium speed MAN B&W dual fuel engines in a diesel-electric plant using either gas or fuel oil, though the intention is to primarily burn gas. The LNG containment systems will be of the NO96 type.

Nick Brown, area general manager and marine manager, Greater China, said: “This is a big project and a big win for LR. We are very pleased to be supporting this important project. Importation of LNG is of strategic and long term importance for China and we welcome this opportunity to provide our expertise. I am very pleased that LR’s global teamwork has enabled us to win through with this contract. We will now deliver the plan approval and new construction services required to exceed the client’s expectations and help ensure that high quality LNG ships are delivered.”

Hudong’s Ms Jin Yanzi, vice general manager, added: “We have been co-operating with LR since 1979 on a wide variety of projects including naval corvettes, 87,000 dwt bulk carriers and 17,300 dwt multi-purpose vessels (MPVs). Hudong is experienced in LNG carrier construction and, as we all know, LR is the leading class society for LNG carriers and has the largest market share of the world fleet of LNG carriers. I am sure it will be a win-win co-operation for us and LR.”

On delivery the new LNG carrier orders will be dual classed by both LR and China Classification Society (CCS) and will sail under the Hong Kong flag.