Jiangnan Shipbuilding, a prominent subsidiary of China State Shipbuilding Corporation (CSSC), has embarked on an ambitious initiative to bolster its capacity for batch production of large-scale LNG carriers. The shipyard officially commenced the construction of a cutting-edge terminal on August 10th, in a momentous groundbreaking ceremony. The primary aim of this project is to revolutionize the shipyard's capabilities and streamline the construction process for substantial LNG carriers.
In an official statement released by CSSC, the new terminal is poised to significantly elevate the shipyard's competitive edge and bolster its prowess in constructing large-scale LNG carriers. The project is strategically positioned within the third area of Jinagnan's shipbuilding production complex, boasting impressive dimensions with a length of 410 meters and a width of 25 meters.
The design and engineering of this visionary terminal have been masterminded by CSSC Ninth Design and Research Institute Engineering Co. Ltd., a subsidiary of CSSC. The state-of-the-art terminal is slated to be completed by March 2024, signaling a remarkable transformation in the shipyard's production capabilities.
The construction of this terminal holds the promise of overcoming existing bottlenecks that have constrained production capacity. It is anticipated that the terminal will empower Jiangnan Shipbuilding to manufacture up to four LNG carriers annually, each with a substantial capacity of 175,000 cubic meters. This visionary endeavor is poised to bolster the shipyard's competitive edge and establish it as a trailblazer in the realm of large-scale LNG carrier construction.
One remarkable feature of the newly planned terminal is its adaptability to accommodate the evolving landscape of maritime technology and energy sources. In addition to its focus on LNG carriers, the terminal has been thoughtfully designed to support the refueling needs of cutting-edge dual-fuel ships. Furthermore, the terminal's capabilities extend to facilitating essential tank tests for liquefied gas carriers, such as the sizable 93,000 cubic meter VLGCs.
The groundbreaking ceremony and initiation of this groundbreaking terminal construction project mark a crucial turning point for Jiangnan Shipbuilding. This project is set to shape the future trajectory of the shipyard's contributions to the maritime industry, allowing it to meet the escalating demand for large-scale LNG carriers while remaining adaptable to the changing landscape of shipbuilding and fueling technologies.
Jiangnan Shipbuilding's dedication to pushing the boundaries of innovation and meeting the maritime industry's evolving demands is further evidenced by its recent contractual agreements. The shipyard secured a noteworthy deal earlier this year with China Taiping Insurance Holdings for the construction of two LNG carriers valued at an impressive $470 million. This accomplishment underscores the shipyard's commitment to pioneering advancements in maritime engineering and solidifies its position as a formidable force within the global shipbuilding landscape.
As the construction of this transformative terminal progresses, industry observers and stakeholders eagerly anticipate witnessing the realization of Jiangnan Shipbuilding's visionary plans. With its sights set on the future, the shipyard is poised to emerge as a powerhouse in large-scale LNG carrier construction, positioning itself as a key player in the maritime industry's continued evolution.