Chinese shipbuilder Changhong International has named and delivered the 10,300-teu LNG dual-fuel container ship MSC Maria Renata to Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC), completing the handover 159 days ahead of the contracted delivery date, according to the shipyard.

The naming ceremony took place on 24 May at Changhong International's No. 1 Pier, with the delivery procedures finalised via online signing on 25 May. The vessel carries hull number CHB2037 and is described by Changhong International as the first ship of the second phase of cooperation between the two companies.

Godmother Xu Feng officially named the vessel at the ceremony, cutting the mooring lines and smashing a champagne bottle to mark the ship's departure. Attendees included Youngbo Lee, regional manager for new shipbuilding at MSC; Dai Yueming, manager of DNV's Zhoushan branch; and senior executives from Changhong International, including general manager Shen Zhihua and deputy general manager and chief engineer Wang Jiazheng.

The vessel was jointly developed by CIMC ORIC and Changhong International. It is equipped with an LNG dual-fuel main engine and generator, as well as a high-low pressure mixed gas supply system. The design is also said to meet ammonia-ready and methanol-ready requirements, positioning the vessel for potential future fuel transitions in line with decarbonisation targets in the shipping industry.

In terms of range, Changhong International states that the vessel — whether operating on LNG or conventional fuel oil — is capable of covering round-trip routes between China and Europe or between China and the United States without refuelling. The ship features a twin-island layout and is said to carry the largest C-type LNG fuel tank among vessels in its class. Its hull design has been optimised, according to the shipyard, to deliver high speed and low fuel consumption in line with the owner's operational requirements.

"The successful naming and delivery of this vessel further solidifies the strategic partnership between Changhong International and Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC), and demonstrates Changhong International's strong capabilities in the construction of high-end green ships," the shipbuilder said.