Asia/Pacific News
Lloyd's Register to Support First Chinese Built Dual-Fuel LNG Carriers
Lloyd's Register (LR) says it is to support the first dual fuel liquified natural gas (LNG) carriers to be built in China, and has signed the classification contract for six 174,000 m3 capacity vessels.
The LNG tankers are to be constructed by Hudong Zhonghua Shipbuilding (Group) Co. Ltd (Hudong) at the Jiangnan Changxing Production Line No.1 near Shanghai, with all six vessels scheduled for delivery by the fourth quarter of 2017.
"This is a big project and a big win for LR," said LR's Nick Brown, Area General Manager and Marine Manager, Greater China.
"Importation of LNG is of strategic and long term importance for China and we welcome this opportunity to provide our expertise."
"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."
The ships will be fitted with medium speed MAN B&W dual fuel diesel engine (DFDE) systems which will enable the ship to burn both gas and fuel oil, however LR said the intention would be to primarily burn gas.
Hudong's Ms. Jin Yanzi, Vice General Manager, commented: "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 loading LNG in Gladstone, Australia for a number of Chinese import terminals.
