Dalian Shipbuilding Industry Company Ltd. (DSIC) and classification society DNV GL have signed a joint development project (JDP) agreement to develop a new 23,000 TEU LNG fuelled ultra large container vessel (ULCV).
The JDP is focused on delivering a design which is ready for construction and reflects upcoming market trends and incoming regulations.
Alternative Fuels at the Centre
Interest in alternative fuels has moved from the margins to the centre of the maritime world as environmental regulations designed to reduce shipping’s emissions to air come into effect. For many operational uses, the combination of technical maturity, efficiency, availability, and emissions reduction mean that liquefied natural gas (LNG) is now a viable solution.
Strong Market for ULCVs
Mr. Yang Zhi Zhong, President of DSIC, said: 'We see a continuing strong market for ULCVs, with lower slot costs especially valued on the main trading routes. At the same time, the expansion in bunkering infrastructure in both China and Europe means that LNG is becoming a viable solution for container vessels, lowering costs and ensuring compliance with incoming regulations.'
Picture: Signing of the JDP at the SMM trade fair last weelk (L to R Signing the agreement were: Guan Yinghua, Deputy Technical Director DISC and Norbert Kray, Senior Vice President and Regional Manager for Greater China at DNV GL – Maritime).