Partnering with GTT, Hengli Heavy Industry Enters Large LNG Carrier Construction, Advancing Toward the Global Shipbuilding

Hengli Heavy Industry Makes Bold Entry into Large LNG Carrier Construction
 

As an emerging leader in the shipbuilding industry, Hengli Heavy Industry has officially entered the high-stakes arena of large LNG carrier construction. On January 22, 2025, the company signed a Technical Assistance and License Agreement (TALA) with the French LNG technology giant GTT, marking a critical breakthrough in China’s quest for dominance in high-end shipbuilding.
 

A Strategic Leap Forward
 

This agreement allows Hengli to adopt GTT’s membrane containment systems, a globally recognized technology renowned for its safety, efficiency, and adaptability. With this license, Hengli will now focus on constructing a diverse range of advanced vessels, including large LNG carriers (LNGC), very large ethane carriers (VLEC), ultra-large ethane carriers (ULEC), multi-fuel vessels, and bunkering ships.
 

This milestone positions Hengli among the elite group of Chinese shipyards capable of competing on the global stage in LNG carrier construction. The move also highlights the growing maturity of China’s shipbuilding sector, which is rapidly catching up with industry leaders in South Korea and Japan.
 

Rigorous Qualification and Rapid Progress
 

Hengli’s entry into this space is no coincidence. The company completed an extensive qualification process in 2024, including:
· Building a Mark III membrane mock-up.
· Gaining approval from eight major classification societies（ ABS , BV , CCS, DNV , LR, NK, RINA , KR ).

 

These achievements underscore Hengli’s commitment to meeting the demanding technical and quality standards required in LNG shipbuilding.
 

Partnering for a Green Future
 

The significance of this collaboration extends beyond technology transfer. Speaking at the signing ceremony, GTT CEO Jean-Baptiste Choimet praised Hengli’s technical expertise and commitment to innovation: “Hengli is an ideal partner for deploying our advanced solutions. Their entry into the LNG sector will not only strengthen GTT’s presence in China but also contribute significantly to the shipping industry’s decarbonization efforts.”
 

Hengli Group Chairman Chen Jianhua emphasized the transformative nature of this agreement: “This partnership reflects GTT’s trust in Hengli’s expertise. We are proud to take this significant step into large LNG carrier construction and are committed to delivering world-class vessels, including LNG and ammonia-fueled ships, for a greener future.”
 

Redefining Chinese Shipbuilding
 

Hengli’s expansion into LNG carrier construction builds on a series of milestones achieved in recent years:
· Launching its “Future Factory”, designed to revolutionize shipbuilding with cutting-edge manufacturing technologies.
· Delivering its first 30.6 DWT ultra-large crude oil tanker ahead of schedule.
· Progressing on multiple high-value projects, including large container ships and ultra-large bulk carriers.

 

By securing this partnership with GTT, Hengli not only joins the ranks of established Chinese shipbuilders like Hudong-Zhonghua and Jiangnan Shipyard but also sends a clear signal of its ambition to lead in green and high-tech shipbuilding.
 

Accelerating Decarbonization in Shipping
 

Hengli’s entry into the LNG shipbuilding market aligns with the global push for decarbonization and green shipping solutions. The ability to construct advanced vessels equipped with GTT’s innovative technologies enables the company to support the transition to cleaner fuels like LNG and ammonia.
 

A New Era for Hengli and Chinese Shipbuilding
 

This agreement is a win-win for both Hengli and the broader Chinese shipbuilding industry. As the demand for cleaner maritime transport grows, Hengli’s move into LNG carrier construction is poised to strengthen China’s competitiveness in high-tech shipbuilding while contributing to a greener, more sustainable future for global shipping.

by Xinde Marine News Chen Yang

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