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Shell Shipping and Maritime, CSSC Hudong-Zhonghua Shipbuilding, and Wärtsilä Marine have introduced a hybrid electric LNG carrier design at Gastech 2023 in Singapore. The design includes a compact propulsion system with a cargo capacity of 185,000 cbm, maintaining standard dimensions of a traditional 174,000 cbm vessel.

This new design aims to improve operational performance, projecting a 10% reduction in fuel consumption, a 15% decrease in greenhouse gas emissions, and over a 20% reduction in methane slip compared to existing solutions. The modular and hybridized system enhances operational flexibility and facilitates future decarbonization technologies.

Currently, about 230 LNG carriers utilize electric propulsion systems. Additionally, Hudong-Zhonghua has received approval in principle for the world’s largest LNG carrier design, with a capacity of 271,000 cbm, from major classification societies.