China on November 15 put into operation a giant liquefied natural gas carrier with a refueling capacity of 1,650 cubic meters per hour.
Offshore Oil 301 docked at a port in Guangzhou on November 15. Photo: CNS
China’s first liquefied natural gas (LNG) transport and refueling vessel, Offshore Oil 301, has completed the upgrade and shipped in Guangzhou city, Guangdong province, starting to provide service flexible refueling of LNG vessels, China National Offshore Oil Corporation (CNOOC) said.
LNG refueling vessels are an important type of mobile infrastructure to promote the use of LNG as transportation fuel. Experts say China’s latest development will play an active role in building an LNG refueling center for international ships, while promoting energy transition and green development.
The Offshore Oil 301 was originally a pure LNG carrier, measuring 184.7 m in length and 28.1 m in width, with a carrying capacity of 30,000 m3 of LNG.
The refueling function is accomplished by the addition of key equipment such as gas burners, ship-to-ship refueling systems and re-liquefaction equipment, along with a security support system, a combustion and other systems, of which gas burners and LNG refueling systems are the first of their kind in China.
After being renovated, Offshore Oil 301 has a refueling capacity of 1,650 m3 per hour, making it the largest LNG refueling vessel in the world, allowing LNG refueling services for container ships, crude oil tankers and large ro-ro ships.
As the world increases its focus on environmental protection, the use of LNG as a clean energy source is getting more and more attention. Data shows that the global number of LNG-powered seagoing vessels will reach 251 units in 2021, more than double from 119 in 2017. Total orders for LNG-powered vessels are 225, an increase of 300%. compared to 56 in 2020.
Compared with traditional refueling, ship-to-ship refueling will help shorten the docking time of ships and greatly improve the international competitiveness of Chinese ports.
CNOOC is actively building international LNG refueling centers in the Pearl River Delta and Yangtze River Delta regions. After handing over, Offshore Oil 301 will carry out the first LNG refueling operation for international ships as soon as possible.
Doan Duong (According to Global Times)
