On September 26, the H2779, a 99,000 cubic meter very large ethane carrier (VLEC) built by CSSC’s Jiangnan Shipyard for Jiangsu Financial Leasing / Pacific Gas (PACIFIC GAS), commenced construction.
Pacific Gas is the first comprehensive enterprise with Chinese background engaged in very large liquefied gas transportation and supply chain management, integrating storage and terminal facility operations. Previously, Jiangnan Shipyard had already delivered 5 VLECs in cooperation with Pacific Gas.
The 99,000 cubic meter VLEC is the world’s largest VLEC by tank capacity. It was independently researched, developed, and designed by Jiangnan Shipyard, with its core equipment, the BrillianceE® Type B tank low-temperature cargo containment system, being independently innovated and developed by Jiangnan Shipyard. This ship type features “leading design, advanced technology, environmental friendliness, high efficiency and energy saving, comfortable environment, and intelligent management.” With an overall length of 230 meters, a beam of 36.6 meters, and a depth of 22.5 meters, it is suitable for transporting various liquefied gases such as ethane, ethylene, and LPG. It offers advantages including low fuel (gas) consumption, low boil-off rate (BOR), no loading level restrictions, and low maintenance costs. It is the optimal ship type “tailor-made” for the long-distance transportation of ethane, with significant economic and social benefits. This ship type has already received the highest award in the shipbuilding industry—the Special Prize for Scientific and Technological Progress from the Chinese Society of Naval Architects and Marine Engineers.
