On May 26, the first 24,000-cubic-meter liquefied ethylene gas (LEG) carrier (Hull No.: S1107), built by Nantong CIMC Sinopacific Offshore Engineering Co., Ltd. (hereinafter "CIMC SOE") for UK-based Petredec, achieved a critical milestone with its successful keel-laying at the company's West Yard, marking its official transition to the hull assembly phase. The ceremony was witnessed by Chen Bin, Deputy General Manager of CIMC SOE’s Shipbuilding Division; Hemraj Dhurve, on-site manager of the shipowner’s supervision company Steel Ships; supervision team members Sun Yuhua and Lu Shiqiang; Bureau Veritas (BV) representatives Chen Xujian and Cheng Guanlin; and project team members from CIMC SOE.
Designed entirely in-house by CIMC SOE, this next-generation LEG carrier incorporates cutting-edge design concepts and technologies. Through optimized hull lines and rational layout, the vessel not only achieves greater cargo capacity but also delivers a design speed of 16 knots. Equipped with the latest WinGD 5X52-S2.0-iSCR main engine and eco-friendly systems including scrubbers and a shaft generator, the ship significantly reduces pollutant and greenhouse gas emissions during operation while lowering fuel consumption, setting a new benchmark for energy-efficient and environmentally friendly LEG carriers.
Since the project’s commencement in November last year, the construction team has collaborated closely with all stakeholders, proactively advancing progress through enhanced communication with the shipowner and inspection teams, optimized workflows, rational resource allocation, and improved efficiency. These efforts ensured the timely achievement of this critical milestone, laying a solid foundation for subsequent phases.
Moving forward, CIMC SOE will coordinate multi-disciplinary operations according to the construction plan, rigorously adhering to timelines and quality standards. While prioritizing safety and quality, the company aims to deliver all milestones on schedule, adding another high-performance vessel to the global gas shipping industry.
