China on Sunday marked a major milestone in its maritime engineering sector by delivering its largest independently designed and constructed liquefied natural gas (LNG) carrier, underscoring its growing capabilities in high-end shipbuilding for clean energy transport.
The vessel, named Celsius Georgetown, departed for Singapore at 10:50 a.m. after completing its delivery at a dock of China Merchants Heavy Industry (Jiangsu) Co., Ltd., according to the shipbuilder.
Measuring 298.8 meters in length and 48 meters in width, the carrier has a transport capacity of 180,000 cubic meters of liquefied natural gas. It is powered by a dual-fuel, low-speed propulsion system, reflecting advanced efficiency and environmental design standards.
Authorities said border inspection teams boarded the ship in advance to expedite clearance procedures, enabling a smooth and timely departure while taking advantage of favorable tidal conditions.
Project manager Lu Jinlong said the company has already secured orders for six similar LNG carriers, with five currently under construction. The second vessel is expected to be delivered within three months.
LNG carriers are specialized vessels designed to transport natural gas cooled to minus 163°C in liquid form. Due to their complex engineering requirements, they are often referred to as the “crown jewel” of the global shipbuilding industry, traditionally dominated by a limited number of major shipbuilders.