China Delivers 319000 Ton Ammonia Ready Crude Carrier to Belgium

China has marked a significant advancement in eco-friendly shipbuilding with the delivery of an ammonia-ready ultra-large crude carrier (ULCC) named ATREBATES to a Belgian shipowner. The vessel, delivered by China State Shipbuilding Corporation (CSSC) Qingdao Beihai Shipbuilding Co, weighs 319,000 tons and represents a notable achievement in the integration of maritime technology and sustainability.

The delivery, reported by Xinhua News Agency, took place in Qingdao, East China's Shandong Province. Remarkably, ATREBATES was completed seven months ahead of its contract schedule. This timely delivery underscores the efficiency and capability of the CSSC Qingdao Beihai Shipbuilding Co in the competitive shipbuilding industry.

ATREBATES is part of a two-vessel contract, with the second vessel named EBURONES, both of which were designated on November 4. This dual delivery exemplifies the shipyard's commitment to expanding its portfolio in the ULCC sector.

Specifically designed to accommodate two 6,000-cubic-meter ammonia fuel tanks and necessary piping and control systems, ATREBATES offers significant operational flexibility. The vessel can transition to ammonia fuel within 30 days at a lower cost than traditional retrofitting methods. This innovation positions the ship to potentially achieve "zero-carbon" emissions throughout its operational lifespan.

The project was independently developed by the China Ship Scientific Research Center, adhering to stringent standards in design, material procurement, and construction. The CSSC Qingdao Beihai Shipbuilding Co appointed a dedicated team to enhance dock scheduling, effectively marrying high-quality construction with efficient production. All metrics reported have met or even surpassed contractual obligations.

In a parallel development, the EBURONES is also projected to be delivered eight months prior to its scheduled timeframe. This trend emphasizes the effectiveness of CSSC Qingdao Beihai Shipbuilding Co's project management and production capabilities, solidifying its foothold in the ULCC market.

The successful construction and expedited delivery of these vessels demonstrate the significant improvements achieved at the CSSC Qingdao Beihai Shipbuilding Co in maritime technology and production efficiency. As the industry pivots towards more sustainable solutions, these advancements position Chinese shipbuilding at the forefront of this transformation.