China International Marine Containers Ltd. (CIMC) - Experts & Thought Leaders

DNV has awarded an Approval in Principle (AiP) to the joint consortium of MSC, Zhoushan Changhong International, and CIMC ORIC for a new 21,700 TEU ammonia-dual-fueled ultra-large container ship design. The AiP is another milestone in the development of next-generation, zero-carbon mainline container shipping. The proposed 21,700 TEU container ship integrates the latest-generation of ammonia dual-fuel main engines alongside oversized C-type ammonia tanks. The hull design, with a new vertical bow, optimised stern, and hull lines, alongside low-resistance coatings, high-efficiency propellers, and energy-saving hydrodynamic features, targets improved fuel efficiency, with validation through CFD simulations and model tests. Relevant DNV and international standards Mr. Yin Xunbin, General Manager of CIMC ORIC, said: “We are proud to see our 21,700 TEU ammonia-dual fuel design recognised with DNV’s AiP. This vessel concept offers shipowners an option for high-capacity, energy-efficient, zero-carbon container ship as part of the next-generation sustainable global liner services. This milestone validates our commitment to providing future-ready vessels that meet global trade demands while reducing emissions.” DNV’s classification experts have reviewed the concept design against the relevant DNV and international standards, including fuel system (ammonia tank and handling), propulsion arrangement, safety and mitigation systems for ammonia. The award of the AiP lays the groundwork for more detailed engineering studies and potentially commercial construction to DNV class rules. Ammonia-dual fuel options Norbert Kray, DNV Senior Vice President and Maritime Regional Manager for Greater China, added: “Ammonia-dual fuel options are firmly in the decarbonisation race, we have gone from concept to orders, and soon will see the first deliveries. At DNV, we have continued to develop our rules and standards to enable these new technologies, alongside guidances, and practical decision support." "The AiP demonstrates that the design is in line with industry’s pioneering safety and design standards, reinforcing confidence in ammonia as a viable fuel for large container vessels. We congratulate MSC, Zhoushan Changhong International, CIMC ORIC, and are very proud to be the class partner on this project, which supports the industry’s drive toward sustainable shipping at scale.” Predefined framework of requirements The design has been optimised for a high load-to-capacity ratio, and efficient hold utilisation. In addition, the twin-island deck layout and foredeck design allows additional 40 ft container bays to increase cargo capacity while maintaining port and operational compatibility. As the project develops, the consortium is proceeding towards more detailed design and safety analyses (including ammonia mitigation and gas handling), and integration into the fuel system. An Approval in Principle (AiP) is an independent evaluation of a concept based on a predefined framework of requirements. It confirms the feasibility of the design and ensures there are no significant technical obstacles hindering its implementation.

Technology group - Wärtsilä will supply the cargo handling and fuel supply systems for four new 40,000 cubic.metres gas carrier vessels. The ships are being built at the CIMC SinoPacific Offshore & Engineering (SOE) shipyard in China for Norwegian shipowner Avance Gas. The order was booked by Wärtsilä in Q4 2023. Wärtsilä’s range of complete cargo handling systems for gas tankers are designed to reduce operating costs and improve the vessel’s Energy Efficiency Design Index (EEDI). The award of this contract represents an endorsement of these benefits. Gas handling applications The Wärtsilä LFSS is an innovative and reliable system that enables the use of LPG as fuel The Wärtsilä LPG Fuel Supply System (LFSS) is an innovative and reliable system that enables the use of LPG as fuel. This increases operational efficiency and supports environmental sustainability. “We are very familiar with Wärtsilä’s capabilities in gas handling applications, and we are confident that they are the best solution for these new vessels. The global support they can offer through their broad and comprehensive service network is another reason why they were chosen,” said Wenbao Gao, Vice President of CIMC ENRIC, CEO of CIMC SOE. LPG carrier vessels “Wärtsilä enjoys a very positive relationship with both the SOE shipyard and Avance Gas, which is based on our ability to develop and supply high-quality and reliable solutions that feature outstanding performance. We have a market-renowned position with an unmatched number of excellent references, and this order extends our position even further,” commented Patrick Ha, Sales Manager, Cargo Handling Systems, Wärtsilä Gas Solutions. These will be the first medium-sized LPG carrier vessels built at the SOE yard. The Wärtsilä equipment is scheduled to be delivered in the latter part of 2024, and the ships are expected to be delivered in the second half of 2025 and onwards. Wärtsilä Gas Solutions Wärtsilä Gas Solutions is a market pioneer with innovative systems and lifecycle solutions for the gas value chain. Their main focus areas are the handling of gas in seaborne transport (storage, fuel, transfer and BOG management), gas to power, liquefaction and biogas solutions. They help customers on their journey towards a sustainable future through a focus on lifecycle performance, innovation and digitalisation.

Neptune Energy and its licence partners have announced a new discovery at the Calypso exploration well (PL938) in the Norwegian Sea. Preliminary estimates are between 1 - 3.5 million standard cubic metres (MSm3) of recoverable oil equivalents, corresponding to 6 - 22 million barrels of oil equivalent (boe). Calypso is Neptune Energy’s third discovery in six months on the Norwegian Continental Shelf. Calypso – new discovery in the Norwegian Continental Shelf These near-field discoveries allow for low cost and low carbon developments" The Managing Director for Neptune Energy in Norway and the United Kingdom (UK), Odin Estensen, said “We actively explore in areas close to existing infrastructure. These near-field discoveries allow for low cost and low carbon developments.” Odin Estensen adds, “Initial analysis of Calypso indicates commercial potential. Together with our partners in the Calypso licence we will now study options to effectively develop the discovery using nearby infrastructure.” The Calypso discovery is located within one of Neptune Energy’s core areas, 14 kilometres north-west of the Draugen field and 22 kilometres north-east of the Njord A platform. Well 6407/8-8S Well 6407/8-8S was drilled to a vertical depth of 3, 496 metres and encountered an estimated 8 metre thick gas column and 30-metre thick oil column in a 131 metre thick Garn Formation sandstone reservoir, of good to very good quality. Calypso was drilled by the Deepsea Yantai, a semi-submersible rig owned by CIMC and operated by Odfjell Drilling.