The construction contract for six LNG carriers, each with capacity for 174,000 cubic meters of liquefied natural gas, was inked between China State Shipbuilding Corp and Nippon Yusen Kabushiki Kaisha on Thursday.

The contract has a combined value of more than 8 billion yuan, the largest single LNG order the Chinese shipbuilder has ever received.

The vessels will be constructed by CSSC's Hudong-Zhonghua Shipbuilding (Group) Co Ltd. The Shanghai-based shipyard has recorded contracts for 17 LNG tankers in the first four months of 2022, the most so far this year among global shipbuilders.

Adopting Hudong-Zhonghua Shipbuilding's independent research, development and design, the LNG carriers will be tailored to the project's requirements. Measuring 299 meters in length and 46.4 meters in width, the vessels feature advanced design concepts, optimized technology and facilities, and low-emissions energy systems.