China begins construction of world’s largest 271,000 m³ LNG carrier

Hudong‑Zhonghua Shipbuilding, a subsidiary of China State Shipbuilding Corporation, has started building a new liquefied natural gas (LNG) carrier for QatarEnergy. The vessel will hold 271,000 cubic metres of LNG – 57% more than the standard 174,000 m³ ships – and measure 344 metres in length. It will use an IMO Tier III‑compliant dual‑fuel propulsion system, feature an upgraded NO96 Super+ membrane containment system, and achieve a daily cargo evaporation rate of just 0.087 %. Delivery is expected in 2028.

The carrier is part of a larger order of 36 ships, including 24 ultra‑large carriers, valued at about CNY 56 billion (US$8.3 billion). The project underscores China’s growing dominance in LNG shipbuilding, with Chinese firms now accounting for more than 30% of global LNG carrier capacity and a majority of new orders. “China’s large‑scale LNG program has transformed completely,” said economist Li Changan.

The new ship will join QatarEnergy’s plan to operate the world’s largest single fleet of LNG carriers, enhancing the capacity of global LNG trade routes while meeting stricter environmental standards.