World’s largest! The first VLEC built by a domestic private shipbuilder has been delivered and departed the shipyard.

On the morning of June 3, the “ACS SP VOYAGER,” the world’s largest 100,000-cubic-meter very large ethane carrier (VLEC) custom-built by Yangzijiang Shipbuilding Group’s Yangzijiang Xinfu Shipyard for Singapore’s renowned chemical company SP Chemicals, was delivered and departed the shipyard. This marks the first VLEC in China constructed by a private-sector shipbuilder.

This vessel is the lead ship of a series of five identical 100,000-cubic-meter VLECs built by Yangzijiang Shipbuilding Group for its owner, Xinpu Chemical. With an overall length of 229.90 meters, a molded breadth of 36.50 meters, and a molded depth of 22.50 meters, it is classed with Bureau Veritas (BV). As a benchmark design in the global high-end energy shipping sector, this vessel features high technological barriers, significant construction challenges, and substantial economic value. It can safely carry ultra‑low‑temperature liquefied ethane, ethylene, LPG, and other premium chemical feedstocks at –104°C, while simultaneously accommodating two different types of liquid cargo. The design is compatible with mainstream global LNG terminal handling standards and meets the dimensional requirements of the Houston Ship Channel, making it a large‑capacity ethane carrier that boasts low boil‑off rates, reduced fuel consumption, high reliability, environmental friendliness, versatile applicability, and excellent economic performance.

The vessel is equipped with an IMO Type B cargo containment system, with a total cargo capacity of 100,000 cubic meters, including two 500-cubic-meter deck/fuel tanks. It features a minimum containment temperature of −104°C, a maximum vapor‑venting pressure of 0.25 bar, and a maximum cargo density of 610 kg/m³. Key advantages include low boil‑off rates, flexible loading without liquid‑level restrictions, robust sloshing resistance, high safety redundancy, and low operation‑and‑maintenance costs. Additionally, it is fitted with advanced systems such as an energy‑efficient propulsion package, intelligent cargo‑handling control, continuous liquid‑level monitoring, and comprehensive emergency safety safeguards, significantly reducing carbon and sulfur emissions. These features align with international maritime green and low‑carbon standards, delivering a balance of safety, environmental stewardship, and operational efficiency.

The vessel’s hull form, propeller, and rudder have been extensively optimized, delivering exceptionally high fuel (and gas) efficiency. It is equipped with both pre‑propeller and post‑propeller energy‑saving devices, as well as a high‑power shaft generator. With a design service speed of 16 knots, it complies with NOx Tier III emissions standards in both fuel‑ and gas‑fueled modes, and its energy‑efficiency performance meets the Phase III requirements of the EEDI.

The vessel commenced construction with the first ignition in mid-March 2025. Since the start of work, the Yangzi Xinfu project team has aligned itself with high-end shipbuilding standards, coordinating multidisciplinary efforts across hull, machinery, electrical systems, and cryogenic cargo‑handling systems to tackle a series of technical challenges. Key milestones include overcoming difficulties in the installation of cryogenic systems and the layout of deck piping, while maintaining rigorous quality control, safety management, and timely progress on critical milestones. Preparatory tasks such as equipment and system commissioning were completed to the highest standards. Leveraging cross‑departmental collaboration and the integrated deployment of diverse technical resources, the team systematically addressed two major construction hurdles—the tank‑testing phase for the liquefied gas tanks and the commissioning of the re‑liquefaction skid—thereby achieving lean, efficient schedule management and laying a solid foundation of critical technologies and production support for the successful construction of this VLEC class vessel.

The signing and delivery ceremony for the vessel “ACS SP VOYAGER” was held on May 29. Ms. Jiang Jielian, representing the shipowner, and Mr. Yang Xueyan, Deputy General Manager of Yangzijiang Shipbuilding Group and General Manager of Yangzi Xinfu, signed the delivery documents on behalf of their respective parties. Mr. Chen Biao, Vice President of Bureau Veritas China, along with representatives from various stakeholders, attended as witnesses.

According to reports, in 2024, Yangzijiang Shipbuilding secured an order from Xinpu Chemical for five VLECs, with a total project investment of US$800 million (approximately RMB 5.7 billion). With this contract, Yangzijiang Shipbuilding has become the first private shipyard in China to enter the VLEC construction sector; prior to this, only Jiangnan Shipyard and Dalian Shipbuilding Offshore had delivered VLECs.

The delivery of the lead vessel, “ACS SP VOYAGER,” marks a pivotal breakthrough for Yangzijiang Shipbuilding in the research, development, and construction of specialized gas carriers, enabling the company to successfully enter the high-end VLEC segment and effectively expand its portfolio of premium specialty vessels. Building on the mature technologies, core competencies, and end-to-end construction expertise gained from this VLEC project, the company will strategically position itself along the primary growth trajectory of clean‑energy ships, aligning with the global shipping industry’s shift toward low‑carbon operations and green emissions reduction. By steadfastly pursuing R&D‑driven innovation, the company will progressively refine and upgrade its product mix, meticulously develop high‑value‑added, boutique vessel designs, and actively contribute to the global effort to build a sustainable, green shipping sector.