China begins construction of ultra‑large 271,000 m³ LNG carrier

Construction has started in Shanghai on a new ultra‑large liquefied natural gas (LNG) carrier, the QC‑Max class vessel built by Hudong‑Zhonghua Shipbuilding (Group) Co., Ltd., a subsidiary of China State Shipbuilding Corporation. The ship will hold 271,000 cubic metres of LNG—57% more than the 174,000‑m³ ships that dominate the market—and measures 344 metres in length.

The carrier uses an upgraded membrane containment system that limits boil‑off to 0.087% per day, a dual‑fuel propulsion system that meets IMO Tier III emission standards, and can dock at most major LNG terminals worldwide. It is being built for a large Qatar LNG project and is slated for delivery in 2028. Hudong‑Zhonghua has secured orders for 36 LNG carriers, including 24 of this ultra‑large size, and its shipyard now holds about 60 pending LNG‑ship orders, the largest portfolio globally. China's share of the global LNG‑carrier market has risen above 30%, and in 2025 the country accounted for 56.1% of worldwide ship deliveries, 69% of new orders, and 66.8% of the order book by tonnage.