China has begun construction of what is set to become the world’s largest liquefied natural gas (LNG) carrier, marking a major milestone for the country’s shipbuilding industry.
Hudong-Zhonghua Shipbuilding has started work on the record-breaking vessel, known as the “QC-Max”, which will feature a cargo capacity of 271,000 cubic metres.
At 344m in length, the ship will significantly exceed the size of conventional LNG carriers, offering around 57 per cent more capacity than the standard 174,000 cubic metre vessels currently dominating the global fleet.
The new carrier will incorporate China’s latest domestically developed NO96 Super+ membrane containment system, designed to safely store super-cooled LNG at extremely low temperatures.
It will also feature a dual-fuel propulsion system and a streamlined hull aimed at reducing fuel consumption and lowering carbon emissions. The ship is expected to meet IMO Tier III environmental standards and will be compatible with most major LNG terminals worldwide.
The project highlights China’s growing influence in a sector historically dominated by international shipbuilders. The country now holds more than 30 per cent of the global LNG carrier market, with Hudong-Zhonghua alone reporting around 60 vessels on order and its production capacity fully booked until 2030.
Delivery of the QC-Max vessel is planned for 2028. Industry analysts say the project represents a significant step forward in high-end shipbuilding and could help strengthen confidence in global energy supply chains amid ongoing geopolitical uncertainty.
