China Begins Construction of Ultra-Large LNG Carrier

Shanghai - China has begun building an ultra-large liquefied natural gas (LNG) carrier with a capacity of 271,000 cubic metres, demonstrating the country’s increasing superiority in advanced shipbuilding and global energy logistics. The QC-Max class vessel, built by Hudong-Zhonghua Shipbuilding (Group) Co., Ltd. under China State Shipbuilding Corporation (CSSC), is scheduled for delivery to its buyer in 2028. Measuring 344 metres in length, the giant ship features an upgraded membrane containment system designed to maximise cargo capacity, enhance safety, and improve environmental efficiency. According to a shipyard representative, compared with conventional 174,000 cubic metre LNG carriers that currently dominate the market, the new vessel offers a 57 per cent increase in cargo capacity while maintaining a daily boil-off rate of just 0.087 per cent, significantly reducing losses during transit. Powered by a highly efficient dual-fuel propulsion system, the ship meets the International Maritime Organization’s Tier III emission standards and can berth at most major LNG terminals worldwide. Built for a large-scale LNG project from Qatar, the vessel highlights Hudong-Zhonghua’s role as a leading shipbuilder. The company has secured orders for 36 ships under this programme, including 24 ultra-large 271,000 cubic metre models. Often dubbed the ‘crown jewel’ of the shipbuilding industry due to its extreme technical complexity and stringent supply chain requirements, LNG carriers demand enormous manufacturing capabilities. Currently, the Hudong-Zhonghua shipyard has nearly 60 outstanding orders for LNG carriers, with a production schedule extending to 2030. This figure represents the largest orderbook globally by cargo volume. Driven by increased capacity and technological breakthroughs, China’s global market share in LNG carrier construction has surpassed 30 per cent, demonstrating growing reliability in the advanced shipbuilding market. To date, China has strengthened its position among the elite ranks of nations capable of developing and building a wide range of sophisticated seagoing vessels. Industry data highlights the broader momentum of China’s maritime sector. In 2025, China accounted for 56.1 per cent of total global shipbuilding completions, 69 per cent of new orders, and 66.8 per cent of the global orderbook by deadweight tonnage. Supported by a vast industrial cluster with more than 486,000 entities, China’s national shipbuilding sector is rapidly transitioning to higher value-added manufacturing, marking a new era of quality-driven growth.