Asia/Pacific News
Chinese Yard Claims CNG Vessel First
China's Jiangsu Hantong shipyard has announced it will build what it is billing as the world's first compressed natural gas (CNG) carrier, Tradewinds reports.
Chinese gas systems company CIMC Enric SJZ Gas (CIMC) placed the order for the vessel which will be operated by Indonesia's Perusahaan Listrik Negara (PT PLN).
The new 110 metre-long vessel will have a cruising speed of 14 knots, use natural gas for power, and be driven by a dual fuel engine.
The 2,200 cubic metre-capacity carrier is said to have a delivery date of May 2016 and will be designed by CIMC.
It is understood that the ship will be classified by ABS and Indonesian BKI jointly.
Earlier this year another Chinese yard was said to be set to build a CNG carrier but it is understood the deal was not finalised.
"Along with the increasing demand for clean energy in shipping industry and related technology keeping improving, the successful signing of CNG project signifies another breakthrough in building gas carriers after successfully developing the market of stainless steel chemical tanker," said the shipyard.
In August, Spanish shipyard La Naval announced it was set to build a diesel-CNG-solar powered ferry.
