China has achieved another milestone in large-scale liquefied natural gas (LNG) carrier construction with the successful delivery of the “Greenergy Pearl”.
The vessel, part of the first phase of China National Offshore Oil Corporation (CNOOC)’s long-term FOB (Free on Board) LNG resource project, was handed over at Shanghai’s Changxing Island Wharf.
This was the second major delivery within this year. In May, the “Greenergy Ocean”, the sister ship of the “Greenergy Pearl”, was also delivered from the same site. Together, these vessels represent the pinnacle of technology in the global 174,000-cubic-meter LNG carrier market. Their completion signifies a major leap forward for China in enhancing its international LNG shipping capabilities.
The “Greenergy Pearl” measures 299 meters in length, 46.4 meters in width, and 26.25 meters in depth. Its deck area spans the equivalent of three standard football fields. Capable of achieving a high operational speed of 19.5 knots, the vessel can reach over 100 LNG terminals across continents.
It can carry 174,000 cubic meters of LNG, which, upon regasification, expands approximately 600 times — enough to supply natural gas for 290,000 households for a year.
The vessel features a newly developed ship type independently designed in China, equipped with a next-generation cargo containment system that achieves an ultra-low natural boil-off rate of just 0.085 percent. The vessel is also outfitted with an advanced LNG cryogenic system, further minimizing cargo boil-off gas emissions and enabling a broader operational speed range for low-carbon voyages.
During construction, the project team meticulously divided critical tasks, coordinated schedules and implemented precise planning. From launching and engine activation to cargo containment system installation and sea trials, they efficiently completed a series of key milestones with exceptional technical expertise.
CNOOC’s long-term FOB LNG transportation initiative involves the construction of 12 LNG carriers, each with a capacity of 174,000 cubic meters, across two project phases. With the delivery of the “Greenergy Ocean” and “Greenergy Pearl”, the company has taken a significant step in building its LNG shipping fleet.
These vessels will strengthen the nation’s control over its LNG supply chain and bolster its bargaining power in the global LNG market.
The successful delivery of the “Greenergy Pearl” not only highlights China’s technological progress in LNG carrier construction but also marks a crucial step in achieving energy security and sustainable development.
(Executive editor: Zhu Zeya)
