COSCO Shipping has announced an order for two newbuild very large liquefied gas carriers (VLGCs) to expand its liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) carrier capacity. The new contract includes two 88,000 cu m VLGCs to be constructed by COSCO Shipping Heavy Industry (Qidong), which are expected to be delivered in the second half of 2027.
Designed by Marine Design and Research Institute of China (MARIC), the VLGCs will be 230 meters long and 32.25 meters wide, featuring smart operation system. Equipped with LPG dual-fuel main engines and shaft generators, the vessels can meet the latest emission requirements with excellent economical efficiency, the company said.
The vessels will be capable of carrying liquid ammonia as well as LPG.
At the end of 2024, COSCO Shipping Heavy Industry Qidong shipyard received its first batch of two VLGC orders from COSCO Shipping, a breakthrough for the shipyard as it expands its footprint in the VLGC construction market.
