Hudong-Zhonghua's NEXT1 LNG Carrier and VLGC Designs Awarded AiP from Bureau Veritas

Bureau Veritas Marine & Offshore (BV) awarded Approval in Principle (AiP) certificates to Hudong-Zhonghua Shipbuilding (Group) Co., Ltd. (Hudong-Zhonghua) for its two new gas carrier designs, a 174,000 cbm NEXT1 LNG carrier and a 93,000 cbm Very Large Gas Carrier (VLGC).

The certificates were presented by Jeffrey Guo, Marine & Offshore Asia Pacific Senior Vice-President of Bureau Veritas to Zhang Xiufeng, General Manager of Hudong-Zhonghua Shipbuilding, during a ceremony held at Gastech 2026.

The 174,000 cbm NEXT1 LNG carrier features GTT's next-generation NEXT1 membrane containment system and is designed to achieve an ultra-low boil-off rate of 0.07% per day. By reducing cargo evaporation during operations, the design supports improved energy efficiency and contributes to the continuous optimization of the vessel's Carbon Intensity Indicator (CII) performance.

The vessel will also incorporate an intelligent energy-efficiency system integrating fuel management, real-time monitoring and decision-support functions. Its design is intended to provide broad terminal compatibility and operational flexibility, supporting the evolving requirements of LNG transportation.

BV also awarded AiP to Hudong-Zhonghua's new 93,000 cbm VLGC design. Featuring four independent Type A cargo tanks and a design temperature of -48°C, the vessel is capable of transporting a range of liquefied gas cargoes, including LPG and ammonia.

The design supports the simultaneous carriage of two different cargoes and is equipped with three reliquefaction units to enhance operational flexibility and cargo management efficiency. In addition, the vessel features an ME-LGIP dual-fuel main engine capable of operating on propane and butane mixtures, helping to reduce emissions while maintaining operational performance.

The two AiPs further reinforce the long-standing collaboration between BV and Hudong-Zhonghua. Through activities including regulatory interpretation, design review, risk assessment, technical support and AiP verification, BV has supported the development of innovative vessel designs and the advancement of high-end shipbuilding capabilities.

Hudong-Zhonghua has developed extensive capabilities across the LNG vessel value chain, covering design, construction and supporting services. Building on this foundation, the company continues to expand its portfolio of high-end gas carrier designs and strengthen its research and development capabilities.