China delivered its first domestically developed new large liquefied natural gas (LNG) carrier to an international customer in Shanghai on Monday, marking a significant advancement in the country's shipbuilding industry.
This vessel, featuring cutting-edge cargo containment systems, fills a crucial gap in China's shipbuilding capabilities in this domain.
Constructed by the Jiangnan Shipyard (Group) Co., Ltd., a subsidiary of China State Shipbuilding Corporation, the vessel utilizes the latest third-generation membrane containment system for storing liquefied natural gas.
This technology reduces the insulation and shielding layer thickness from 530mm to 400mm, allowing for increased cargo capacity compared to the previous models. The new design also minimizes cargo evaporation during transport, enhancing safety and promoting energy efficiency, meeting international standards. "This vessel epitomizes the internationally prevalent membrane-type LNG cargo hold structure, divided into four compartments capable of meeting a city's one-month LNG demand in a single trip. Given the stringent safety requirements for LNG transport, the ship is equipped with over 10,000 alarm points and is designed for a lifespan of 40 years," said Song Bowen, the chief construction engineer for the LNG carrier at Jiangnan Shipyard.
The delivery marks a breakthrough for China, breaking the previous dominance of foreign shipyards in the construction of this type of LNG carrier. It also enhances China's position in the high-tech, high-value shipbuilding sector.
"With this vessel, China has achieved a zero breakthrough in this field. The successful construction of this LNG carrier will facilitate closer cooperation in energy transportation and marine equipment. Currently, we have a total of eight orders for this model, and we plan to progressively optimize and iterate on the product to introduce more efficient and leading-edge vessels," said Song.
China's first self-developed new large-scale LNG carrier delivered in Shanghai
China's first self-developed new large-scale LNG carrier delivered in Shanghai
China is ready to be the most trustworthy and reliable partner in Saudi Arabia's national revitalization process, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said on Sunday when meeting with Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman Al Saud in Riyadh.
China aims to strengthen all-round, mutually beneficial cooperation with the Saudi side, consolidate traditional energy collaboration, expand cooperation in emerging and future industries, and open up new prospects for the China-Saudi Arabia comprehensive strategic partnership, said Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee.
During the meeting, the crown prince asked Wang to convey the sincere greetings and best wishes of Saudi King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and himself to Chinese President Xi Jinping.
He said that Saudi leaders highly value their deep friendship with Xi and attach great importance to developing the comprehensive strategic partnership between the two countries.
The crown prince said that the Saudi side stands ready to work with China to elevate bilateral relations to a higher level, adding that Saudi Arabia always adheres to the one-China principle, firmly supports China in safeguarding its national sovereignty and territorial integrity, and resolutely opposes interference in China's internal affairs by external forces.
The Saudi side is willing to further deepen cooperation with China in areas such as oil and gas, new energy, artificial intelligence and high and new technologies, he said, adding that Saudi Arabia supports China's hosting of the second China-Arab States Summit and the second China-Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Summit in 2026, and is willing to promote the early conclusion of negotiations on the China-GCC free trade agreement.
He also thanked China for its efforts in promoting the normalization of relations between Saudi Arabia and Iran, adding that Saudi Arabia stands ready to maintain regular communication and coordination with China in international and multilateral affairs.
Wang conveyed Xi's cordial greetings to King Salman and the crown prince, noting that Xi has forged deep friendship and mutual trust with Saudi leaders.
China welcomes the crown prince to visit China next year to attend the second China-Arab States Summit, Wang said, adding that China stands ready to work with GCC countries to strive for the early conclusion of the China-GCC free trade agreement.
Wang said that China also stands ready to continue close communication with Saudi Arabia to inject more stabilizing factors into peace and security in the Middle East.
China ready to be Saudi Arabia's most trustworthy partner in national development: Chinese FM
