Four 16-inch LNG marine loading arms manufactured by China COSCO SHIPPING Corporation Limited (COSCO SHIPPING Group) recently completed their maiden ship-to-shore operation at the Cai Mep International Terminal in Vietnam.
This marks the first overseas application of domestically produced large-diameter LNG marine loading arms, representing a significant breakthrough in localization.
Four 16-inch LNG marine loading arms recently completed their maiden ship-to-shore operation at the Cai Mep International Terminal in Vietnam. [Photo/sasac.gov.cn]
During the operation, the loading arms demonstrated stable performance under extreme offloading conditions at -163°C, the temperature required for handling liquefied natural gas. The system passed gas-tightness testing, and key components such as precision swivel joints and sealing rings maintained excellent performance under ultra-low temperatures, ensuring safe and smooth offloading.
This new generation of large-diameter LNG marine loading arms has broken the long-standing technological monopoly held by foreign manufacturers. It features advanced precision machining for rotary sealing surfaces, greatly improving reliability, with all core technologies reaching internationally leading standards.
In preparation for the operation, COSCO SHIPPING Group dispatched a professional technical team to the site well in advance. Working closely with the client, the team continuously optimized the commissioning plan to ensure the equipment maintained peak performance throughout the process.
(Executive editor: Yuan Ting)
