China: China on Sunday delivered its biggest independently designed and built liquefied natural gas (LNG) carrier to date, marking a breakthrough in the country's ability to build large vessels for clean energy transport. The carrier, named Celsius Georgetown, departed for Singapore after completing delivery at 10:50 at a dock of China Merchants Heavy Industry (Jiangsu) Co., Ltd., China Central Television (CCTV) reported, citing the shipbuilder.
According to Emirates News Agency, the Celsius Georgetown measures 298.8 metres in length and 48 metres in width, boasting a capacity of 180,000 cubic metres. It is equipped with a dual-fuel, low-speed propulsion system, which is a significant feature for efficiency and environmental compliance. Border inspection officers boarded the vessel in advance to expedite clearance procedures, ensuring a timely and safe departure by taking advantage of favourable tidal conditions.
Lu Jinlong, Manager of the Large LNG Carrier Programme at China Merchants Heavy Industry (Jiangsu) Co., Ltd., stated that the company has already secured orders for six such vessels. The construction of the remaining five is underway, with the second ship expected to be delivered in three months. LNG carriers like Celsius Georgetown are engineered to transport natural gas in liquid form, maintaining temperatures at minus 163 degrees Celsius to ensure safe and efficient transport.