Two 8,400-TEU dual-fuel container ships built by New Era Shipbuilding were launched on the same day.

On the afternoon of June 26, as the gates of the newly built No. 4 dry dock slowly opened, New Era Shipbuilding’s two 8,400-TEU dual-fuel container vessels—Nos. 8121 and 8122—successively exited the dock, successfully completing the launching milestone and once again setting a new record for the efficient, large-scale construction of high-end, eco-friendly ships at New Era Shipbuilding.

The vessel has an overall length of 260 meters, a length between perpendiculars of 255.5 meters, a molded breadth of 45.6 meters, and a molded depth of 24.7 meters, with a design draft of 12.5 meters and a structural draft of 15.8 meters. Under the design draft conditions, with main engine power rated at NCR and a 15% margin for sea‑state allowances, the service speed can reach 20 knots. At the design draft in gas mode (Tier II), the cruising range is approximately 20,000 nautical miles; in fuel mode (Tier II), the cruising range is about 15,000 nautical miles, fully meeting the round‑trip endurance requirements of multiple routes and demonstrating excellent route‑adaptability.

Zhang Peiyan of the Production Management Department reported that this dry-docking period achieved four major breakthroughs: First, the cycle time for key production processes was significantly shortened. The total lead time for the cargo hold—from forming and trial box assembly to hatch cover hoisting—was reduced by 10 days, boosting efficiency by nearly 40%; moreover, from aft‑section forming to light‑up took only six days, creating favorable conditions for achieving cabin integrity. Second, the overall block‑assembly scheme was optimized: after integrating hull, outfitting, and painting into a single operation, blocks were lifted as a whole, fully leveraging the advantages of Dock No. 4’s gantry crane; a three‑dimensional block assembly approach was implemented for the cargo hold, with partial trial box work also completed. Third, the installation procedures for Tank B and the FGSS system were refined, enabling the system integrity targets to be met ahead of schedule. Fourth, the ship’s post‑docking completeness improved markedly. This vessel was among the first to leave Dock No. 4 and also the lead ship of this series. Through the concerted efforts of the Production Management Department, the project team, and all production units—overcoming numerous challenges—the team successfully completed all cargo‑hold trial boxes, finished painting in the cargo hold, ballast tanks, engine room, and lashing bridge, and applied the first coat of paint to Decks 4 through 7.

Faced with the complex challenges posed by concurrent operations across multiple vessel types, the production department has innovatively implemented an agile construction model—“in‑dock parallel outfitting plus regional subassembly”—leveraging 3D simulation for outfitting and digital production scheduling and coordination to streamline workflows, accelerate the advancement of processes, and ensure zero idle time in dock‑time management, thereby significantly enhancing overall construction efficiency. Since April 15, when the vessels were moved into the dry dock, Dock No. 4 has simultaneously hosted the construction of four dual‑fuel‑powered container ships—Nos. 8121, 8122, 8123, and 8124. Through intensive, well‑coordinated efforts, Ships Nos. 21 and 22 have already exited the dock, while Ships Nos. 23 and 24 have achieved full‑ship float‑out. Meanwhile, the adjacent Dock No. 3 is equally bustling: just one week earlier, on June 19, two 158,000‑ton dual‑fuel‑powered oil tankers—Nos. 72 and 46—were launched on schedule, and two sister vessels—Nos. 73 and 47—also achieved full‑ship float‑out, activating the “fast‑track” phase prior to dock exit. With coordinated efforts throughout the company, the grand production scenario of “four docks operating in tandem, advancing in unison” has become the new norm.

The 8,400‑TEU dual‑fuel container vessel launched this time is equipped with a large Type B LNG fuel tank and boasts outstanding advantages such as high cargo‑handling efficiency and excellent energy‑consumption performance. Upon delivery, it will be deployed on Europe‑bound deep‑sea trunk routes, helping shipping customers improve their Carbon Intensity Indicator (CII) ratings and advancing the green transformation of international shipping. Meanwhile, the 158,000‑ton dual‑fuel tanker built concurrently features a next‑generation LNG dual‑fuel propulsion system that significantly reduces emissions of sulfur oxides, nitrogen oxides, and particulate matter, fully complying with the International Maritime Organization’s (IMO) Tier III emission standards and underscoring the company’s leading expertise in the research, development, and construction of green, low‑carbon vessels.

With wave after wave of green‑powered vessels being launched, sea‑tried, and delivered, New Era Shipbuilding has achieved full coverage in the construction of dual‑fuel‑propulsion ships across mainstream vessel types, including bulk carriers, tankers, and container ships. Its product portfolio is steadily maturing, with a robust order book and production schedules fully booked through 2029. To date, the company has commenced construction on 23 vessels, moved 18 to the outfitting stage, launched 16, and delivered 13. The timely completion of each production milestone not only marks a resolute stride toward maritime excellence but also underscores the company’s unwavering commitment to pursuing sustainable, “green” development. A new wave of production momentum is now fully taking shape, injecting strong impetus into the company’s high‑quality growth.