Nantong CIMC Pacific Offshore Engineering (CIMC SOE) has started construction on its first 9,000-cbm LNG tank project for the South Korean company SUNBO, marking a new phase in their ongoing cooperation.

The steel-cutting ceremony for the T305 project was held at CIMC SOE’s eastern facility, with representatives from shipowner H-LINE, shipbuilder Hanjin Heavy Industries, classification society Korean Register (KR), and SUNBO attending the event.

The project involves the production of independent Type C LNG tanks with a semi-refrigerated, semi-pressurised design. Each vessel will be equipped with two tanks intended for installation on 18,000-cbm LNG bunkering vessels.

CIMC SOE stated that preparatory work for the project is progressing in line with the schedule, with continuous manufacturing set to follow the steel-cutting milestone.

SUNBO has been a long-term partner of CIMC SOE, with the Chinese manufacturer having previously delivered multiple LNG tank projects to the company. The latest development is expected to deepen collaboration between the two firms and support further work in alternative fuel storage and transport systems.

The company noted that demand for advanced energy storage solutions is increasing as the shipping industry moves towards lower-emission operations. CIMC SOE added that it will continue to work with partners to develop and manufacture equipment supporting the sector’s transition to more sustainable fuels.