Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC), Jiangnan Shipyard (Group) and classification society DNV have celebrated the christening and delivery of the first large Mark III Flex Membrane LNG carrier in China.
As liquefied natural gas (LNG) plays an increasingly important role in securing the world’s energy supply, the demand for LNG carriers has skyrocketed. However, these are some of the most challenging vessel types in shipping, and developing the expertise and networks to successfully deliver these complex projects in a demanding market requires true collaboration.
The 175,000 cbm “Al Shelila” is the first vessel in a series of six. It features an optimised hull shape, highly efficient propellers, a double-skeg design and an air lubrication system. It has also been equipped with a range of efficiency and emission reduction features, which have been developed by experts from across DNV’s global network.
These include two sets of WinGD 5X72DF-2.1 engines with the iCER (Intelligent Control by Exhaust Recycling) system to reduce methane slip, the GTT Mark III Flex Membrane Charge Retention System with a boil-off rate of 0.085%/day, two shaft generators to improve energy efficiency and the Jiangnan Intelligent Ship System (JNIS) for real-time energy optimisation.
“We are proud to take over the ‘Al Shelila’ from the Jiangnan shipyard. In Arabic, Shelila stands for strength and grace, qualities that reflect the heritage of the ships of our ancestors,” said Captain Abdulkareem Al Masabi, CEO of Adnoc Logistics and Services. “As we expand our fleet to meet the growing global demand for natural gas, our deepening partnership with Jiangnan Shipyard underscores the strong industrial ties between the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and China, which reaffirm our shared commitment to promoting global economic growth, and we commend DNV for their expert guidance in the design of this world-class vessel.”
Construction of the LNG carrier was completed two months ahead of schedule
Lin Ou, Chairman of Jiangnan Shipyard, was pleased: “With the great trust and support of ADNOC L&S, DNV, GTT and all relevant parties, Jiangnan has completed the construction of China’s first large Mark III LNG carrier two months ahead of schedule.” The shipbuilding company specialising in the construction of gas carriers has thus demonstrated its comprehensive shipbuilding capabilities. “We are determined to deliver the upcoming series of LNG carriers, VLEC and VLAC, on time and in good quality to support ADNOC L&S in expanding its fleet and to further deepen our strategic cooperation with ADNOC,” said Ou.
“To be successful in the LNG segment, all stakeholders, from shipowners and shipyards to cargo owners and charterers, need to work together on projects at the highest technical and quality level,” said Knut Ørbeck-Nilssen, CEO DNV – Maritime. This project is a testament to the good communication, planning and coordination between ADNOC, Jiangnan Shipbuilding and DNV and underlines the strength of the cooperation and the joint efforts of all parties involved.
“We are very proud of the support we have been able to offer Jiangnan Shipbuilding in the very challenging segment of large LNG vessels,” said Norbert Kray, Regional Manager for Maritime Greater China at DNV. “We worked closely with ADNOC and Jiangnan to find solutions that would help realise the project with maximum efficiency while complying with our strict class rules and relevant industry standards. The fact that together we were able to meet such an ambitious schedule is a fantastic achievement and shows that there is a bright future for LNG carrier construction in China.”
DNV has built up a team of experts for gas tankers and alternative fuels in Shanghai
To help Chinese shipyards succeed in the emerging alternative fuel segment, DNV has established a team of gas carrier and alternative fuel experts at its technical centre in Shanghai in 2022, providing a comprehensive range of expertise and services.
