On March 25, Hengli Heavy Industries and Southwest Maritime formally signed a cooperation agreement for the batch LPG dual-fuel very large ammonia carriers (VLAC), marking the opening of a new chapter of in-depth cooperation between the two parties in the field of gas transportation.
The VLAC project of this collaboration will adopt advanced LPG dual-fuel technology, aiming to meet the growing demand of the global liquid ammonia transportation market while promoting the green and low-carbon transformation of the shipping industry.
Hengli Heavy Industries, as a global leading ship design and construction company, will provide its cutting-edge technology and rich experience in the field of liquid ammonia carriers for this cooperation. This series of VLACs will be equipped with advanced LPG dual-fuel power system, which can not only significantly reduce the ship’s carbon emissions, but also realize higher energy efficiency and lower operating costs during operation. In addition, the design of the ship will give full consideration to the safe transportation needs of liquid ammonia, adopting advanced liquid cargo systems and safety protection measures to ensure the safety and reliability of the transportation process.
As a well-known enterprise in the field of liquefied gas transportation, Southwest Maritime has extensive market channels and rich operational experience. The cooperation with Hengli Heavy Industries will give full play to the advantages of both parties in technology research and development, ship construction, market operation and other aspects, realizing a strong combination.
Through the cooperation, both parties will jointly expand the global liquid ammonia transportation market, provide customers with more efficient, environmentally friendly and safe transportation solutions, and further enhance the competitiveness of both parties in the global liquefied gas transportation market.
The cooperation is of great significance against the backdrop of the accelerating green and low-carbon transition of the global shipping industry. As a future energy carrier with great potential, the transportation demand for liquid ammonia will continue to grow with the advancement of global energy transition. The cooperation between the two parties will not only promote the prosperity of the gas transportation market, but also contribute to the sustainable development of the global shipping industry.
It is understood that Hengli Heavy Industries officially entered the gas tanker construction market at the end of 2024. According to the news at the time, Hengli Heavy Industries’ parent company, Hengli Group, placed an order for at least four 93,000 cbm VLACs. Neither the cost of the new vessels nor their delivery dates were disclosed.
Notably, Hengli Group stated that the new ships are expected to be used primarily in the petrochemical, textile and other transportation businesses, “but may also be sold if the price is right.” This is consistent with Hengli Group’s market strategy of placing orders for VLCCs with its own shipyards for resale.