On November 20th and 22nd, the H1906A, the third 24,000 TEU dual-fuel container ship for CMA CGM constructed by Hudong-Zhonghua’s Final Assembly Department III, and the H1801A, a 174,000 cubic meter LNG carrier for Qatar Energy, successfully returned from their sea trials and berthed smoothly at the western yard area.
To ensure the efficient progress of the sea trials for both vessels, the construction team thoroughly implemented lean management. They set targets for improving the construction schedule around key projects, strictly controlled the production pace, and ensured a significant enhancement in the completeness of both ship types while in the dock, enabling their simultaneous sea trials. Specifically, for the H1906A, all scaffolding below the engine room’s second platform was dismantled in the dock, and the submission of generator static alarms was initiated concurrently. For the H1801A, the completeness of block sections and undocking was planned in advance during the dock phase. For the first time, the exterior walls of the PZ22 superstructure block were painted with white primer. The efficiency of system submissions and cable laying was significantly improved compared to the previous ship. After undocking, the team completed engine room polishing in 35 days, finished generator submissions within 2 months, and completed the main engine turning trials within 3 months, laying a solid foundation for the successful sea trials.
During the H1906A sea trials, facing severe sea conditions with strong winds, the construction team collaborated closely. The project team coordinated scientifically, assigned clear responsibilities, and effectively overcame the difficulties. The H1906A concurrently conducted the main engine endurance test in fuel mode with the speed measurement test, saving 8 hours. The gas mode conversion test, fuel pump test, and MSC project tasks were interwoven, saving another 6 hours. The overall sea trial period was shortened by more than one day compared to the previous ship.
Due to the strong winds, the H1801A sea trial project team promptly adjusted the schedule for the LNG bunkering station window and optimized the project inspection plan. They successfully completed all test items with high quality before entering the bunkering station, passing key items such as the unmanned engine room test, speed measurement, and endurance test on the first attempt, earning high recognition from the shipowner and classification society. After leaving the bunkering station, subsequent procedures for the cargo tanks, including cooldown, inerting, and aeration, were immediately initiated, achieving seamless connection between the work stages.
The simultaneous completion of sea trials for these two important products was due to the strenuous efforts of the construction teams and also benefited from the collaborative efforts of multiple departments such as the LNG Research Institute, Quality Assurance Department, Cryogenic Laboratory, and Supply Chain Management Department, as well as the strong support and cooperation of the shipowners and classification societies. Through this round of practical execution, the team further accumulated valuable experience in the construction of container ships and LNG carriers.
Currently, the two construction teams are comprehensively reviewing the sea trial comments and defect lists, making a full sprint towards the delivery of the ships by the end of the year.
