China has recently marked the delivery to the port of Dalian of the liquefied natural gas (LNG) carrier SEA SPIRIT, which was domestically designed and built.

The vessel, with a capacity of 175,000 cubic meters, is designed to transport LNG at temperatures as low as -163 degrees Celcius under normal atmospheric pressure, making it a key piece of equipment in the global LNG supply chain.

 [Source: Xinhua]

State media reported that the construction of large LNG carriers demonstrates the comprehensive strength of China's shipbuilding sector.

The Dalian Shipbuilding Industry Co., Ltd. (DSIC), which is a subsidiary of China State Shipbuilding Corporation Limited (CSSC), built the vessel for the China Merchants Energy Shipping Co., Ltd.

The SEA SPIRIT has an overall length of 295 meters, a width of 46.4 meters, a depth of 26.2 meters, and a designed draft of 11.5 meters.

Its cargo tank capacity allows it to dock at the vast majority of large LNG terminals worldwide, ensuring excellent port adaptability and ship-to-shore compatibility.

The carrier also adopts the advanced GTT Mark III membrane containment system, which is renowned for its high safety level, stability and minimal LNG boil-off gas during voyages.

"The vessel meets the strictest emissions standards set by the International Maritime Organization in both fuel and gas modes, highlighting its high energy efficiency and environmental performance," Xinhua said in a report.