In November, the construction of the No. 3 175,000 cubic meter LNG carrier at Dalian Shipbuilding entered its final sprint phase. The LNG Operation Department focused on key targets and tasks, using lean management as the driving force, coordinated resources from all parties, optimized the construction pace, and scientifically allocated manpower. They raced against time to advance the two critical tasks of dismantling the installation platform and sealing the cargo tanks, working at full capacity to secure the combined node for both the conventional sea trial and the gas trial.
The cargo containment system, as the “heart project” of an LNG carrier, has its construction efficiency directly impacting the overall shipbuilding progress. During the construction of the No. 3 ship, the LNG Operation Department and the General Assembly Department II deeply collaborated, establishing an efficient linkage mechanism characterized by “shared goals, shared responsibilities, and shared resources.” Managers from both sides coordinated daily, dynamically adjusted plans around the critical path, precisely matched human resources, and ensured seamless connection of work processes.
By systematically reviewing the experience from preceding ships and considering the actual working conditions of the No. 3 ship, the construction team optimized the construction workflow and implemented a model of “balanced production + pace control” to avoid resource contention and process waiting. Through advance preparation, parallel operations, and tackling the critical path, the main process cycle for a single tank was compressed to 103 days, setting the shortest record for ships under construction and placing the construction efficiency within the industry’s first-class ranks. Particularly outstanding was the No. 3 ship achieving “zero leakage points” in the ammonia testing for the first time, demonstrating Dalian Shipbuilding’s exceptional craftsmanship and quality, and earning high recognition from the shipowner and GTT.
Facing the high precision, high cleanliness, and high sealing requirements of the cargo containment system, the LNG Operation Department established a “multi-level, whole-process, full-coverage” quality control system. From team self-inspection and inter-departmental inspection to the joint acceptance by the shipowner and GTT, each process was strictly controlled to ensure early detection and closure of defects.
The construction management personnel of the General Assembly Department II strictly enforced the tank entry management regulations, implemented “one person, one file; one position, one training,” achieving a dual enhancement of safety and quality awareness. For key operation points such as spray pipe welding and installation, pump tower hoisting, and side shell panel installation, the LNG Operation Department and the General Assembly Department II jointly conducted technical disclosures and process monitoring, implementing “on-site” supervision, effectively avoiding corrugated membrane damage. The cleanliness compliance rate of the No. 3 ship continued to improve, laying the foundation for subsequent tightness tests.
The dismantling of the installation platform and the sealing of the cargo tanks are critical steps before the “combined trials.” Facing challenges like limited space, numerous overlapping tasks, and high safety risks, the LNG Operation Department and the General Assembly Department II formed a special task force, implementing “list-based management, node-based advancement, and responsibility-based implementation” to ensure the work proceeded safely, efficiently, and orderly.
During the platform dismantling process, the construction team continuously optimized the procedures – moving the plywood dismantling process forward to shorten the transition time with the main structure dismantling, significantly improving efficiency and reducing manpower load. Through scientifically planning the dismantling sequence, setting up isolation zones, and strengthening on-site supervision, they enabled the immediate start of supporting system dismantling after the cleanliness inspection was passed, seamlessly connecting it with the main platform dismantling. The entire process achieved saturated operations and compact construction.
The tank sealing operation involves confined spaces, complex processes, and stringent precision requirements. The LNG Operation Department established a tank sealing突击 team, implementing “dedicated personnel for specific responsibilities, specialized teams for focused tasks,” and meticulously planned the sealing materials, construction methods, and work sequence. Currently, Tank No. 3 of the No. 3 ship is undergoing cargo containment system work for the side shell panel installation. All members of the sealing team are at their posts, ensuring every node is reliably controlled.
The battle to secure the “combined trials” node for the No. 3 LNG carrier is a comprehensive test of technology, management, coordination, and team will. With a high sense of responsibility and mission, the LNG Operation Department and the General Assembly Department II have worked together to break through multiple construction bottlenecks and set new construction cycle records. In the next step, the construction team will continue with full enthusiasm and a rigorous work style to fully ensure the “combined trials” node is achieved as scheduled.
