The first 7,500-cubic-meter LNG transport and bunker refueling vessel, designed and built by Nantong CIMC Sinopacific Offshore and Engineering Co Ltd, is delivered to its owner in Zhoushan. [Photo/ntfabu.com]

Shipyard Nantong CIMC Sinopacific Offshore and Engineering Co Ltd on Oct 8 delivered the first 7,500-cubic-meter liquefied natural gas transport and bunker refueling vessel it has built to its owners in Zhoushan, located in East China's Zhejiang province.

The company, also known as CIMC SOE, is one of China's leading shipyards that build gas carriers. It is based in the county-level city of Qidong, administered by Nantong in East China's Jiangsu province.

The shipyard has now built and handed over more than 30 vessels that transport liquefied petroleum gas, liquefied ethylene gas and LNG – establishing a leading global market share in its sector. It is reportedly committed to providing customers with energy-saving, environmentally-friendly and technologically-innovative professional liquefied gas transport solutions.

With a length of 115.8 meters, a width of 19 m and a depth of 11.8 m, the vessel is equipped with two C-shaped LNG storage tanks. It is the first LNG transport and bunkering vessel designed and constructed by CIMC SOE.

The liquid tank and cargo system was built by CIMC SOE and the hull was jointly constructed by Zhoushan Changhong International Shipbuilding Co Ltd. Plans for the construction of several more LNG transport and bunker refueling ships are reportedly making good progress.

The new ship's owner, London-based Avenir LNG, is a joint venture founded by the world's largest chemicals shipping company Stolt-Nielsen and two LNG giants – Hoegh LNG and Golar LNG. Avenir LNG focuses on the business of small-scale LNG transport and refueling.