A worker operates a factory machine in Zhoushan Daishan Changhong Shipbuilding. [Photo/www.wifizs.cn]

Zhoushan, in East China's Zhejiang province, started construction on a 19,000-TEU liquefied natural gas container vessel on Nov 12, marking a new milestone for the province's shipbuilding sector. The project, undertaken by Zhoushan Daishan Changhong Shipbuilding, represents the largest dual-fuel container ship ever constructed in the province.

Changhong launched the build after completing its shift from repair work to full ship construction earlier this year. The shipyard secured an order for four 19,000-TEU vessels, with the second vessel scheduled to start construction next month. The ship under construction measures about 366 meters long, 58.8 meters wide, and 30.2 meters high, with a design draft of 17 meters.

A key technical challenge lies in its dual-fuel system. Compared with traditional power configurations, the combination of liquefied natural gas and conventional fuel helps reduce emissions.

Changhong has cooperated with MSC for years and holds orders for 18 21,700-TEU dual-fuel container ships, 11 of which will be built at the Daishan base. Once these projects start, they are expected to set another size record for dual-fuel vessels under construction in Zhejiang.

To secure high-quality orders, the shipyard is upgrading its facilities. This year, it added two 1,300-metric-ton gantry cranes, expanded its workshop space by 6,000 square meters, and is building a 300,000-ton outfitting pier.