Image Credits: Hudong-Zhonghua Shipbuilding (Group) Co China’s Hudong-Zhonghua Shipbuilding has started building the world’s largest liquefied natural gas (LNG) carrier. The record-breaking “QC-Max” ship will boast a 271,000 m3 cargo capacity. The 344 m long ship will use the country’s latest, in-house developed NO96 Super+ membrane containment system to keep the super-cooled liquid gas safely insulated. Additionally, this new design will accommodate 57% more cargo than the standard 174,000 m3 LNG tankers, which currently dominate the market. It also has a dual-fuel engine along with a streamlined hull to lower fuel consumption and carbon emissions. The ship is compliant with IMO Tier III regulations and can dock at almost all the major LNG terminals worldwide. Historically, international companies monopolised LNG carrier manufacturing because these ships require complex engineering to safely transport gas at freezing temperatures. However, China has broken that monopoly and captured more than 30% of the global market share. Hudong-Zhonghua leads the world with 60 LNG carrier orders on its books, with its production capacity sold out until 2030. The shipbuilder is planning to deliver this ultra-large carrier by 2028, according to media reports. This project is a milestone for China as it moves to occupy a major share in complex shipbuilding. Experts also note that this project will help stabilise confidence across the global energy supply chain during a time of intense geopolitical tension.