China Classification Society (CCS), a member institution of ICNAME, has provided classification and construction survey services for GREENERGY SEA, a 174,000-cubic-metre liquefied natural gas (LNG) carrier built by Hudong-Zhonghua Shipbuilding, a subsidiary of China State Shipbuilding Corporation Limited (CSSC). The vessel was officially delivered on October 31, 2026, marking another milestone in China's development of advanced LNG transportation vessels.

GREENERGY SEA is the second vessel in Phase II of the CNOOC Medium- and Long-Term FOB LNG Carrier Project. Its completion represents the eighth delivery under the overall 12-vessel programme and the 69th LNG carrier delivered by Hudong-Zhonghua Shipbuilding.

The vessel is based on Hudong-Zhonghua's independently developed fifth-generation Changheng-series LNG carrier design. With an overall length of 299 metres, a beam of 46.4 metres and a moulded depth of 26.25 metres, it has a designed cargo capacity of 174,000 cubic metres and a service speed of 19.5 knots.

One of the vessel's major technological features is its advanced LNG cargo containment system, which achieves a natural boil-off rate as low as 0.085% per day. The vessel is also equipped with an LNG cryogenic system to further reduce cargo evaporation losses, improving the efficiency and reliability of long-distance LNG transportation.

In terms of propulsion and environmental performance, GREENERGY SEA incorporates a high-efficiency dual-fuel main engine, an intelligent exhaust gas recirculation system and a water treatment system. The propulsion arrangement meets the International Maritime Organization's Tier III nitrogen oxide emission requirements in both fuel-oil and gas-fuel operating modes.

Compared with the previous generation of LNG carriers, the new vessel offers improved energy efficiency, cargo capacity and route adaptability. According to the shipbuilder, the enhanced design can reduce daily carbon dioxide emissions by more than 10 tonnes during navigation.

Throughout the construction process, China Classification Society contributed its technical expertise in design review, construction inspection and quality assurance. CCS surveyors worked closely with the shipyard during critical construction phases, including hull assembly, equipment installation and system commissioning, helping ensure compliance with applicable classification rules and safety requirements.

The successful delivery also highlights the growing maturity of China's series-production capabilities for large LNG carriers. By the end of October 2026, Hudong-Zhonghua had delivered ten large LNG carriers during the year, demonstrating continuing improvements in shipbuilding efficiency and production management.

The CNOOC LNG carrier programme comprises twelve 174,000-cubic-metre vessels, with the remaining four ships scheduled for delivery by the end of 2027. These vessels will further strengthen LNG transportation capacity and contribute to the development of reliable global energy supply chains.

For the international naval architecture and marine engineering community, GREENERGY SEA demonstrates the integration of advanced cryogenic cargo containment, environmentally efficient propulsion, ship construction quality assurance and large-scale vessel production.

The project also reflects the important contribution of ICNAME member China Classification Society to the development of safer, more efficient and environmentally responsible maritime transportation. Through collaboration among classification societies, shipbuilders, shipowners and technology providers, innovations in LNG carrier design and construction are continuing to support the modernization of the global shipping industry.

Original Source: China Classification Society (CCS)

Original Link:

https://www.ccs.org.cn/ccswz/articleDetail?id=202611030110890381

Image Credit: Hudong-Zhonghua Shipbuilding