American classification society ABS has granted Approval in Principle (AIP) to two new gas carrier designs from China’s Hudong-Zhonghua Shipbuilding.
The new vessel designs are for a 200,000 cbm LNG carrier and a 147,000 cbm very large ethane carrier (VLEC).
ABS informed that the LNG carrier is designed for long-distance, large-scale LNG transportation, featuring enhanced cargo capacity and greater efficiency compared to conventional ships. The VLEC is a tailored design for U.S. – China routes, which can meet U.S. Coast Guard requirements and is equipped with a dual-fuel propulsion system using ethane as the main fuel, which can meet emission requirements.
“Hudong Zhonghua, with the support of ABS, has a proud record of innovation in the design and construction of gas carriers in China,” said Jin Yanzi, Hudong-Zhonghua Shipbuilding’s Vice President.
“With the granting of these AIPs by ABS, these latest designs are now set to continue that tradition.”