Changhong International has started construction of the first in a series of 18 LNG dual-fuel container ships ordered by Oceanroutes, marking the beginning of cooperation between the Chinese yard and the shipowner.

The first vessel in the programme, the 11,400-teu CHB2059, entered construction on 30 March at Changhong International’s Zhoushan yard. Representatives of Oceanroutes, DNV, Changhong International’s management and the project team attended the ceremony.

The series was jointly developed by CIMC ORIC and Changhong International as a new generation of large container ships. According to the yard, the design addresses key technical issues including economics, lightweighting, system integration and construction processes.

Each vessel in the series has an overall length of about 299.95 metres, a breadth of 48.20 metres and a depth of 27 metres, and is classed by DNV. The design incorporates wide-body optimisation, lightweight materials and an integrated dual-fuel system.

Changhong International said the ships are expected to achieve energy savings of more than 30% compared with the EEDI Phase III standard while complying with the latest applicable regulations. The design includes wind deflectors, energy-saving ducts and high-efficiency torsion rudders to help reduce main engine fuel consumption.

The yard described the project as the largest order to date for a single 10,000-teu container ship type.

Changhong International said the construction of the series will further strengthen its serial production capability and expand its standing in the large dual-fuel container ship segment.