The Haiyun LNG carrier Photo: Screenshot of CCTV News

China on Wednesday delivered the 175,000-cubic-meter liquid natural gas (LNG) carrier Haiyun in Dalian, Northeast China's Liaoning Province, the Xinhua News Agency reported. The LNG carrier was independently researched and designed domestically. 

Built by Dalian Shipbuilding Industry Co under the China Shipbuilding Industry Company Limited for China Merchants Energy Shipping Co, Haiyun is 295 meters long, 46.4 meters wide, 26.2 meters deep, with a 11.5 meters draft. Its 175,000-cubic-meter liquid cargo capacity allows it to dock at nearly all major LNG terminals worldwide.

Haiyun is a specialized ship designed to transport liquefied natural gas at -163°C under normal temperature and pressure, serving as a critical component of the LNG supply chain, according to the report. Large LNG carriers, along with aircraft carriers and luxury cruise ships, are known as the "three jewels on the crown" of shipbuilding industry, with their design and construction reflecting a nation's comprehensive shipbuilding capabilities, according to the report. 

The LNG carrier's fuel and gas modes both comply with the strictest emission standards set by the International Maritime Organization, demonstrating high energy efficiency and environmental performance, the report noted. 

A report by CCTV News said that a single fully loaded LNG shipment of Haiyun can meet Dalian's residential and industrial gas demand for one and a half months. 

Ruan Hang, a project manager from the Dalian Shipbuilding Industry Co said that the yard currently holds orders for 17 LNG carriers, achieving a leading industry capacity in batch ordering and construction, noting that more importantly, this greatly strengthens China's influence and autonomy within the global energy transportation system, CCTV News reported. 

Global Times