On October 10, after more than 90 days of upgrades and modifications, Guangzhou Shipyard International Wenchong Shipbuilding, under China State Shipbuilding Corporation Limited, delivered the world’s largest LNG transport and bunkering vessel, the “Marine Oil 301”. This achievement marks another breakthrough for China in the field of LNG vessel conversion, demonstrating the continuous improvement in the application of domestic technology and engineering implementation capabilities.
It is reported that Wenchong Shipbuilding and the “Marine Oil 301” share a deep history: in December 2018, Wenchong installed key equipment such as nitrogen generators on the vessel; in November 2022, it completed the bunkering function modification, transforming it into the world’s largest and China’s first LNG transport and bunkering vessel. After the modification, it can provide efficient ship-to-ship fuel bunkering services for large LNG-fueled vessels berthed at domestic coastal ports, offering crucial support for the green transformation of China’s coastal shipping.
The recent modification of the “Marine Oil 301” brought together multiple specialized forces. The Wenchong Shipbuilding project team collaborated with the construction team, research institutes, and equipment manufacturers to jointly overcome several core tasks. They not only completed the GCU (Gas Combustion Unit) upgrade, installed a new deep-cooling type re-liquefaction system, added midship bunkering equipment, and upgraded the cargo control system, but also simultaneously carried out the 10-year special survey repairs. Among these, the insulation renewal project for the four liquid cargo tanks ranked among the top in terms of scale and technical complexity for similar projects.
During this modification, Wenchong Shipbuilding’s Green Conversion Innovation Studio deeply implemented the concept of independent innovation, with domestic technology empowering the entire process. For the newly installed deep-cooling type re-liquefaction system, Wenchong Shipbuilding worked closely with the shipowner and various manufacturers to overcome challenges in domestic R&D design and integrated modification. After optimization and upgrade, the GCU’s BOG (Boil-Off Gas) combustion efficiency and exhaust temperature control both reached internationally advanced levels.
During the critical phase of tackling key project challenges, the temporary Party branch for the “Marine Oil 301” bunkering function modification and dock inspection project continued to play a leading role, building a strong organizational fortress to ensure the project’s high-quality advancement.
Throughout the modification process, Wenchong Shipbuilding prioritized the shipowner’s urgent needs, implementing multiple measures to expedite the schedule and accelerate progress. Faced with various complex issues during final commissioning, they rapidly pooled resources from all parties and meticulously resolved them one by one with craftsmanship. On the delivery day, the owner of the “Marine Oil 301” presented a banner inscribed with “Craftsmanship Casts Excellence, Timely Delivery Demonstrates Responsibility,” expressing high recognition for Wenchong Shipbuilding’s efficient contract fulfillment and quality service.
It is understood that the “Marine Oil 301” was formerly a 30,000 cubic meter LNG carrier. With a total length of 184.7 meters and a beam of 28.1 meters, it was built and delivered by Jiangnan Shipbuilding (Group) Co., Ltd., under China State Shipbuilding Corporation Limited. It commenced operation in September 2015, serving as China’s first small LNG feeder carrier and the world’s largest LNG carrier with C-type tanks by tank capacity at the time. It served the secondary transfer between coastal LNG terminals in China and international short-sea LNG transport.
In 2022, to adapt to the rapidly growing market demand for offshore LNG bunkering services and to strategically position itself in the offshore gas bunkering sector, CNOOC decided to carry out the bunkering function modification project on the “Marine Oil 301”. The Shanghai Shipbuilding Design and Research Institute provided the overall design plan, and Wenchong Shipbuilding was responsible for the implementation. This was China’s first LNG bunkering vessel conversion project, completed on November 15, 2022.
Through this modification, the “Marine Oil 301” transformed from its original single transport function into a combined transport and bunkering vessel. Its maximum bunkering rate reaches 1650 cubic meters per hour, capable of meeting the LNG bunkering needs of various dual-fuel vessel types.
