Breaking Through in Green Shipping! Construction Begins on China's First 41,000 Cubic Meter Ammonia Dual-Fuel Gas Carrier

Recently, China's first domestically built 41,000 m³ ammonia-dual-fuel LPG/liquid ammonia carrier, independently developed and designed by Shanghai Merchant Ship Design and Research Institute (SDARI) under China State Shipbuilding Corporation (CSSC) for Tianjin Xinan Shipping Co., Ltd., officially commenced construction at CSSC Huangpu Wenchong Shipbuilding Company. The launch of this project marks a breakthrough for China in the field of ammonia-fueled powered vessels for medium-sized gas carriers, injecting new momentum into the low-carbon transformation of the shipping industry.

Technical Highlights: Innovative Design Combining Environmental and Economic Advantages

Leading Environmental Friendliness: As China's first medium-sized gas carrier adopting ammonia-dual-fuel power, the vessel is equipped with an internationally advanced ammonia-dual-fuel propulsion system and Sweden's Alfa Laval ammonia fuel supply system (FCM Ammonia), covering key modules such as fuel supply, ammonia release mitigation, and fuel valve control, ensuring the safe and efficient application of ammonia fuel. Its design fully complies with the International Maritime Organization (IMO) Tier III emission standards and the EEDI Phase 3 requirements. Compared to mainstream LNG dual-fuel vessels, the full life cycle carbon emissions can be reduced by 61% in specific scenarios, directly contributing to the achievement of IMO's 2050 "net-zero emissions" target.

Outstanding Economic Benefits: The vessel adopts three IMO Type A independent liquid cargo tanks and two deck tanks, with a total tank capacity of approximately 42,000 m³ and a minimum design temperature of -50°C, allowing flexible transportation of various cargoes including LPG and liquid ammonia. In terms of energy-saving design, the vessel features SDARI's characteristic low-wave-added-resistance S-BOW straight bow lines and the energy-saving duct independently developed by its subsidiary, SDARI-ECO. The hull's hydrodynamic performance is significantly improved, operational energy consumption is effectively reduced, achieving a balance between economy and environmental protection.

Industrial Layout: Scaling Up the Development of Green Ships

It is reported that this 41,000 m³ ammonia-dual-fuel carrier is an important part of the series of vessel types developed in cooperation between Tianjin Xinan Shipping and CSSC Huangpu Wenchong. The two parties previously signed construction contracts for three 25,000 m³ and four 41,000 m³ ammonia-dual-fuel LPG/liquid ammonia carriers. The commencement of construction of this first vessel will propel this series into the mass production phase. Among these, the first set of ammonia fuel supply systems is expected to be delivered by the end of 2025, laying the foundation for subsequent vessel construction.

As a major domestic shipyard for building gas carriers, CSSC Huangpu Wenchong currently holds orders for 16 gas carriers, covering several mainstream vessel types such as 60,000 m³, 48,000 m³, and 41,000 m³, achieving a leap in technological self-sufficiency and synergistic advantages in the industry chain within the small and medium-sized gas carrier sector. The commencement of construction of this ammonia-dual-fuel vessel further enriches its new energy vessel portfolio and consolidates its leading position in the field of green shipping equipment.

Industry Significance: Leading the Upgrade of the Low-Carbon Maritime Energy Supply Chain

As the global shipping industry accelerates its transition to low-carbon operations, ammonia, as a key zero-carbon fuel option, has made the R&D and construction of its transportation equipment an industry focus. This 41,000 m³ ammonia-ready dual-fuel carrier boasts excellent adaptability for green ammonia fuel, enabling it to serve the future low-carbon maritime energy supply chain and provide efficient, environmentally friendly transportation solutions for the liquid ammonia trade.

The in-depth collaboration between Tianjin Xinan Shipping and China State Shipbuilding Corporation is not only a critical step for the enterprises' own green transformation but also a significant practice by China's shipbuilding industry in responding to the "dual carbon" goals and seizing the high ground in the global green shipping sector. Upon completion, the project will set a benchmark for advanced liquid ammonia carriers domestically and globally, offering a replicable and scalable "China Solution" for the green development of the shipping industry.