According to the China National Offshore Oil Corporation (CNOOC), as of November this year, 18 ultra-large 270,000-cubic-meter liquefied natural gas (LNG) storage tanks have been built using the company’s self-developed CGTank® technology, accounting for nearly 70 percent of global tanks in this category, ranking first worldwide.
From Follower to Innovator
During the 14th Five-Year Plan, China’s ultra-large LNG storage tank technology advanced from following international standards to achieving independent innovation. CNOOC now fully controls the complete technology system for LNG full-containment tanks ranging from 30,000 to 270,000 cubic meters and holds more than 130 related national patents and software copyrights. Technologies such as the 3D full-model finite element simulation, complex multi-field coupling seismic analysis, and stability analysis for large-span domed structures have all reached international leading levels.
Driving Upgrades Across Industrial Chain
Technological breakthroughs have spurred upgrades in the entire industrial chain. The large-scale application of ultra-large LNG tanks has fostered coordinated development in materials, manufacturing processes, and key equipment. Through project cooperation and patent licensing, CNOOC has boosted the overall competitiveness of the industry.
Statistics indicate that the 18 ultra-large LNG tanks—covering design, construction, and operations—have positively impacted over 100 upstream and downstream enterprises, with more than 95 percent of equipment manufactured domestically.
CGTank® technology has already expanded into overseas markets such as Cambodia. Construction and R&D teams are now advancing 300,000-cubic-meter LNG tank technology and storage technologies for other cryogenic media including liquid ammonia and propane, setting the stage for new growth during the 15th Five-Year Plan.
From Construction to Full-Lifecycle Operation
With coastal LNG storage clusters completed, the industry’s focus is shifting from construction to full-lifecycle operation and maintenance. In October, a national standard for reliability evaluation of site-assembled cryogenic liquid storage tanks, led by CNOOC, was officially approved.
The standard will support long-term safe and stable operation of energy infrastructure by strengthening structural reliability assessment and life-extension technologies.
Boosting Energy Security and Green Transition
China’s LNG receiving terminals now provide a total storage capacity of 25.4 million cubic meters, with the 270,000-cubic-meter tanks contributing more than 12.5 percent.
These “energy granaries” are transforming technological advantages into real capabilities for safeguarding national energy security and accelerating the green transition of the energy structure—supporting China’s dual-carbon goals and the development of a modern, secure, and self-reliant energy system.
(Executive editor: Yuan Ting)
