On December 6, Hudong-Zhonghua Shipbuilding (Group) Co., Ltd., a subsidiary of China State Shipbuilding Corporation (CSSC), along with China Shipbuilding Trading Co. Ltd (CSTC) delivered the 174,000 cubic meter large liquefied natural gas (LNG) carrier “Hlaitan” to QatarEnergy. This is not only the third vessel delivered for QatarEnergy’s “historic LNG fleet expansion program” but also the seventh LNG carrier delivered by Hudong-Zhonghua this year, once again setting a new annual delivery record for LNG carriers by Chinese shipbuilder.
The “Hlaitan” is the latest fifth generation “Changheng Series” 174,000 cubic meter LNG carrier independently developed and designed by Hudong-Zhonghua Shipbuilding.
Tailored to the technical standards for operating the world’s largest LNG fleet by QatarEnergy, it embodies the latest design concepts, optimal technical equipment, superior environmental performance, and advanced features, incorporating the essence of Hudong-Zhonghua’s LNG ship designs over the years.
It has an overall length of 299 meters, a beam of 46.4 meters, and a depth of 26.25 meters. It features the latest generation of double-fin shape hull design and is equipped with multiple low-carbon and digital technologies and equipment. It is classed by both the American Bureau of Shipping (ABS) and China Classification Society (CCS).
The naming and delivery of the “Hlaitan” is a testament to the sincere cooperation among all parties, further strengthening the friendly cooperation between China and Qatar in the field of LNG carriers. It is also the result of Hudong-Zhonghua Shipbuilding’s courage in technological innovation and lean production, which will lead China’s LNG carrier construction to a higher goal.
This year, Hudong-Zhonghua Shipbuilding has secured orders for the construction of 24 271,000 cubic meter ultra-large LNG carriers and 12 174,000 cubic meter large LNG carriers as part of QatarEnergy’s “historic LNG fleet expansion program”. In terms of contract value and gas carrying capacity, these orders place Hudong-Zhonghua Shipbuilding at the top of global shipyards, reshaping the global LNG equipment industry market landscape and achieving a historic milestone.
It is reported that the “Hlaitan” will begin operation on December 11. Before the end of the year, Hudong-Zhonghua Shipbuilding plans to deliver another 174,000 cubic meter large LNG carrier, which will be the eighth vessel delivered this year. This could potentially set a new annual record for LNG carrier deliveries by a Chinese shipyard.