Nantong CIMC Sinopacific Offshore & Engineering Co., Ltd. (CIMC SOE) has commenced construction on a 20,000 cbm LNG bunker and carrier vessel for GSX Energy Limited.

The construction commencement ceremony for the vessel, designated Hull No. S1157, took place on 15 May at CIMC SOE’s West Yard. Representatives from GSX Energy, Haihan Capital, classification society ABS and CIMC SOE attended the ceremony.

According to CIMC SOE, the vessel is an optimised version based on a mature hull design, with adjustments made to core parameters and system configurations compared to previous sister vessels. The new vessel has an overall length of 159 metres, a beam of 25 metres, and a design speed of 13 knots.

The LNG bunker and carrier vessel will be equipped with a Wärtsilä dual-fuel main engine and a 1,300 kW shaft generator. A high-voltage shore power system can be installed as an option.

The vessel uses a dual-fuel boiler with gas combustion unit (GCU) functionality. Taking into account ice-class requirements, it can utilise boil-off gas to produce steam for cabin heating when at berth for maximum utilization of LNG fuel.

The shipbuilder said the vessel places emphasis on economy and energy efficiency and that it will continue to develop its liquefied gas carrier design and construction capabilities to support the maritime industry.