Two ultra-large 21,000-TEU container vessels were successfully launched in Dalian, showcasing advanced LNG dual-fuel technology.
Two ultra-large container vessels recently undocked and were launched at Dalian, Liaoning Province. Each vessel measures 380 metres in length, 58.6 metres in breadth, and 33.2 metres in depth, with a designed capacity of 21,000 TEU - dimensions that place them at the forefront of the ultra-large container vessel category.
Both vessels were constructed concurrently within the same dry dock before undocking in a single operation - a process that imposed demanding requirements on hull block sequencing, crane lifts, workflow coordination, and production scheduling. The 120-day figure refers specifically to the in-dock construction period, not the total duration from steel-cutting to final delivery. Following undocking, both vessels will proceed to the outfitting berth, after which sea trials and pre-delivery activities will be carried out.
The vessels are equipped with an LNG dual-fuel propulsion system, featuring the 8G95 dual-fuel marine engine produced independently by Hengli Heavy Industry. Each vessel carries a Type C bilobate fuel tank with a capacity of 13,000 cubic metres - reported to rank among the largest of its kind globally - fabricated from specialised stainless steel and designed to be compatible with both LNG and liquid ammonia, preserving optionality for future fuel selection.
As vessel dimensions continue to increase, propulsion systems, fuel storage, energy efficiency, and safety design are all subject to progressively higher requirements. The two vessels undocked on this occasion are simultaneously ultra-large container ships and LNG dual-fuel vessels, reflecting the continued ability of Chinese shipyards to secure and execute increasingly complex shipbuilding programmes.
Mediterranean Shipping Company ranks among the world's leading container liner operators. The successful undocking of these two vessels marks continued forward progress on the series of large container ships Hengli Heavy Industry has under contract for the owner. For the shipowner, ultra-large container vessels deliver greater single-ship capacity, though the extent to which construction, sea trials, and delivery can be completed on schedule bears directly on subsequent fleet deployment planning. Both vessels will now advance through the outfitting berth phase as they move toward sea trials and delivery.