The Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC), Jiangnan Shipyard and classification society DNV have celebrated a naming and delivery ceremony for China’s first large-scale Mark III Flex membrane LNG carrier, the 175,000m3 ‘Al Shelila’.
The first of a six-vessel series, this delivery is one of the most advanced vessels constructed in China, with an optimised hull form, high-efficiency propellers, twin skeg design, and air lubrication system.
As the role of LNG in securing the global energy supply continues to grow, demand for LNG carriers has soared. But these are among the most sophisticated ship types in shipping, and developing the expertise and networks to successfully deliver these complex projects in a demanding market requires a cooperative effort.
The newly-delivered Al Shelila includes several efficiency and emissions reduction features that have drawn on experts from across DNV’s global network. These include the adoption of two sets of WinGD 5X72DF-2.1 engines with Intelligent Control by Exhaust Recycling (iCER) system for reduced methane slip, the GTT Mark III Flex membrane cargo containment system with an 0.085%/day boil-off rate, two shaft generators for improving energy efficiency, and the Jiangnan Intelligent Ship System (JNIS) for real-time energy optimisation.
Capt Abdulkareem Al Masabi, CEO Adnoc Logistics and Services, said: “We are proud to take delivery of Al Shelila from Jiangnan Shipyard. In Arabic, ‘Shelila’ represents strength and grace, qualities that reflect the legacy of our forefathers’ vessels. As we expand our fleet to meet rising global demand for natural gas, our deepening partnership with Jiangnan Shipyard underscores the strong industrial ties between the UAE and China, reinforcing our shared commitment to powering global economic growth, and we commend DNV for their expert consultation in the design of this world-class vessel.”
Lin Ou, Chairman, Jiangnan Shipyard, added: “With the great trust and support of ADNOC L&S, DNV, GTT and all relevant parties, Jiangnan has completed the construction of China’s first Mark III type large LNG carrier two months ahead of schedule. As a leading global shipbuilding company specialised in the full series of gas carriers, Jiangnan has demonstrated our comprehensive shipbuilding ability again. We are committed to delivering the upcoming series of LNG carriers, VLEC, and VLAC on time with good quality, to better support ADNOC L&S to achieve its drive for fleet expansion and further deepen our strategic cooperation with ADNOC.”
Knut Ørbeck-Nilssen, CEO DNV Maritime, said: “In the LNG segment achieving success requires bringing all stakeholders, from ship owners, and shipyards, to cargo owners, charterers, together on projects at the highest level of technical expertise and quality. This project is a testament to the excellent communication, planning, and coordination between ADNOC, Jiangnan Shipbuilding, and DNV and highlights the strength of our collaboration and the collective efforts of everyone involved. We are very pleased to have been part of the milestone and look forward to deepening our relationship over the coming deliveries.”
Norbert Kray, DNV Regional Manager Maritime, Greater China, concluded: “We are very proud of the support we have been able to provide to the Jiangnan shipyard in the highly challenging large LNG segment. We have worked closely together with ADNOC and Jiangnan to find solutions that can help realise the project with maximum efficiency, while maintaining compliance to our rigorous class rules and the relevant industry standards. That we have been collectively able to deliver on such a highly ambitious timeline is a fantastic achievement and demonstrates that there is a bright future for Chinese-built LNG carriers.”
To help Chinese yards succeed in the emerging alternative fuels segment, DNV established a gas carrier and alternative fuels expert team at its technical centre in Shanghai in 2022 to provide a full range of know-how and services.
Image: Delivery ceremony for LNGC ‘Al Shelila’ (source: DNV)
