Recently, Malaysia International Shipping Corporation (MISC) signed a 20-year time charter contract with PETRONAS LNG, a subsidiary of Petronas, to lease five new LNG carriers built by Hudong-Zhonghua Shipbuilding.
These five 174,000 cubic meter LNG carriers will commence their charters between 2029 and 2030. The new vessels will incorporate updated fuel efficiency and emission-related technologies, including XDF2.1 propulsion technology, shaft generators, and onboard re-liquefaction systems, to enhance fuel efficiency and improve boil-off gas handling capabilities.
MISC will provide project management services during the construction phase and will be responsible for vessel operation and management after delivery. The specific value of the charter has not been disclosed.
Datuk Adif Zulkifli, Executive Vice President and CEO of Gas and Maritime Business at Petronas, stated: “The addition of these new LNG carriers marks another significant step in our ongoing efforts to leverage the strengths of our various businesses to create long-term value across the entire LNG value chain. By aligning our growth objectives with MISC’s maritime expertise, we are further strengthening our integrated capabilities to support Petronas’ position as a trusted and reliable global LNG supplier.”
It is understood that Hudong-Zhonghua signed a contract with MISC in January for the construction of the first batch of 3+3 174,000 cubic meter large LNG carriers, followed by a second batch of 2+2 LNG carrier orders signed in February. This marks the first time MISC has placed orders for large LNG carriers with a Chinese shipyard, having previously long ordered such vessels from the three major South Korean shipbuilders.
This series of 174,000 cubic meter LNG carriers is the independently researched, developed, and designed fifth-generation “Changheng Series” star vessel type by Hudong-Zhonghua. It is equipped with multiple core low-carbon and energy-saving technologies, capable of reducing daily navigation carbon emissions by over 10 tons, with an Energy Efficiency Design Index (EEDI) reaching internationally leading levels, deeply aligning with the global trend of low-carbon transformation in shipping. It adopts the world’s most advanced NO96 Super+ type containment system, achieving optimal Boil-Off Rate (BOR) performance, and boasts outstanding advantages such as safety, reliability, green efficiency, and excellent economic performance. Over 20 core technologies are entirely proprietary, comprehensively reaching world-leading levels in key performance areas including energy efficiency, environmental indicators, cargo storage, and operational economy.
