Image: DNV GL

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Dalian Shipbuilding Industry Company Ltd (DSIC) and DNV GL have signed a joint development project (JDP) agreement to develop a new 23,000-TEU, LNG-fuelled, ultra-large container vessel (ULCV).

The JDP is focused on delivering a design which is ready for construction and reflects upcoming market trends and incoming regulations.

"In developing this new 23,000 TEU, LNG-fuelled ULCV design, we will show that DSIC can deliver vessels at the cutting edge of the market after two 20,000 TEU container vessels were successfully delivered to Cosco Shipping Group this year," said Yang Zhi Zhong, president of DSIC.

"We see a continuing strong market for ULCV vessels, with lower slot costs especially valued on the main trading routes. At the same time, the expansion in bunkering infrastructure in both China and Europe means that LNG is becoming a viable solution for container vessels, lowering costs and ensuring compliance with incoming regulations," Yang added.

"We would like to thank DSIC for selecting DNV GL to take part in this project and trusting our expertise in LNG-fuelled and container shipping," said Knut Orbeck-Nilssen, CEO of DNV GL - Maritime. "The new JDP will build on the long and productive cooperation between DSIC and DNV GL, and we look forward to working with DSIC to ensure that the design meets the relevant class and international standards and regulations."