Recently, Dalian Shipbuilding Offshore Co., Ltd. signed a construction contract for a 20,000 cubic meter LNG bunkering vessel with Zhongneng Ranchu Technology (Shanghai) Co., Ltd., marking a solid step forward in China’s independent R&D and engineering application of high-end LNG bunkering vessels.
The 20,000 cubic meter LNG bunkering vessel is currently one of the largest LNG bunkering vessels in the world. The contracted LNG bunkering vessel project is the first domestically independently developed bunkering vessel to adopt the globally advanced membrane-type cargo containment system. The vessel measures 138 meters in length, 24.8 meters in width, and has a structural draft of 7.2 meters. Equipped with two full-revolution thrusters, it boasts excellent maneuverability and can meet the LNG fuel bunkering demands of mainstream ports worldwide.
The vessel innovatively integrates an all-weather AI 360° intelligent monitoring system and the world-leading methane escape control and carbon capture integration technology, fully complying with the latest IMO environmental regulations and setting a new benchmark for green and intelligent bunkering vessels. With high system integration capabilities, it not only provides one-stop bunkering support services for LNG-powered vessels, including inert gas supply, cold tank pretreatment, and gas testing, but also reserves interfaces for future ammonia fuel bunkering functions. It features multi-fuel compatibility and green energy expansion potential, offering strong support for global zero-carbon fleet operations. This project is classed by the China Classification Society.
The contracted LNG bunkering vessel project is another milestone for DSOC in its years of dedication to high-end marine vessel equipment in the low-carbon, environmental protection, and clean energy sectors. The company has always adhered to its vision of “becoming a leading domestic and world-class ship and offshore engineering equipment manufacturer and service provider,” striving for higher standards, better services, and stronger competitiveness in the clean energy sector under the “dual carbon” goals.
Zhongneng Ranchu, a Shanghai-based green energy enterprise, focuses on the investment, construction, and operation of clean energy bunkering vessels such as LNG and green ammonia. It is committed to providing safe, efficient, and reliable green energy bunkering solutions by establishing long-term partnerships with ports, energy companies, shipowners, and end customers.
This marks the first LNG vessel order secured by Dalian Shipbuilding. It is reported that DSOC was formerly known as Dalian Shipbuilding Industry Offshore Co., Ltd., a subsidiary of China Shipbuilding Industry Corporation (CSIC) Dalian Shipbuilding Industry Group, established in September 2006. It was once one of China’s oldest, most experienced, and most productive offshore shipyards, holding an absolute leading position in the jack-up drilling rig sector and being one of the first seven companies included in the 2015 offshore white list.
However, due to the downturn in the offshore market and foreign buyers abandoning orders, DSOC faced a severe debt crisis and underwent bankruptcy restructuring in early 2019 after creditors filed for bankruptcy. In June 2021, the Dalian Intermediate Court ruled to approve DSOC’s restructuring plan and terminate the restructuring process.
After completing the restructuring, DSOC’s current majority shareholder is Dalian Lingang Shipbuilding Offshore Co., Ltd., holding a 100% stake. Based on the current shareholder structure, DSOC, apart from its similar name, has no actual connection with Dalian Shipbuilding Industry Group or China State Shipbuilding Corporation (CSSC). In September 2023, DSOC announced a name change from “Dalian Shipbuilding Industry Offshore Co., Ltd.” to “Dalian Shipbuilding Offshore Co., Ltd.” (abbreviated as “DSOC”).
Under the leadership of new shareholders and management, DSOC is pursuing its vision of “becoming a leading domestic and world-class ship and offshore engineering equipment manufacturer and service provider” and its mission of “providing first-class ships and offshore engineering equipment to contribute to the international marine strategy.” It is deepening its focus on traditional oil and gas as well as “dual carbon” clean energy sectors, offering superior services and products to domestic and international clients.
Excluding the latest order, Clarksons data shows that DSOC currently holds six orders totaling 117,140 deadweight tons, including four chemical tankers and two liquid carbon dioxide (LCO2) carriers, with deliveries scheduled until 2026.
Additionally, earlier this year, DSOC secured a 1+1 semi-submersible heavy-lift barge construction contract from Norwegian offshore owner Boa Offshore. The two new vessels, “BOABARGE 39” and “BOABARGE 40,” will be designed by Boa Offshore, with “BOABARGE 39” expected to be delivered in the third quarter of 2026.