Delivery of China's First LNG-Powered Ultra-Large Crude Oil Carrier

Dual Fuel Use of LNG and Bunker C, 12,000 Nautical Miles Navigation with LNG
LNG-Powered Ships Likely to Be Used Until Development of Electric and Hydrogen Fuel Cell Propelled Ships

[Asia Economy Beijing=Special Correspondent Jo Young-shin] Chinese shipyards have built and delivered an ultra-large crude carrier (VLCC) that uses two types of fuel, Chinese media reported.

Photo by China Sina Finance Capture

On the 2nd, according to Chinese economic media Dongfang Caifu Wang and Sina Caijing, China State Shipbuilding Corporation (CSSC), a state-owned shipyard, constructed a VLCC that uses liquefied natural gas (LNG) and bunker C oil as fuel. Chinese media reported that this VLCC, which uses both LNG and bunker C oil as fuel, is the world's first.

The vessel, named Yuan Rui, ordered by China's largest shipping company COSCO Shipping, is an ultra-large crude carrier measuring 333 meters in length.

Chinese media explained that the maximum sailing range of this vessel is 24,000 nautical miles (44,448 km), and it can travel 12,000 nautical miles using LNG alone.

They also emphasized that this vessel is an eco-friendly ship that meets all the International Maritime Organization (IMO) Energy Efficiency Design Index (EEDI) Phase 3 standards. It can reduce sulfur oxides and fine dust by 99% and 98%, respectively, compared to conventional ships, and through the use of LNG, carbon emissions can be reduced by up to 20% compared to existing vessels.

The global shipping industry is facing a situation where ships powered by eco-friendly energy sources must be ordered and used due to carbon neutrality issues. LNG-powered ships like China's Yuan Rui are expected to become the most common first. Subsequently, electric propulsion ships using batteries and hydrogen fuel cell propulsion ships are expected to be developed and commercialized in sequence.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.