DACKS Successfully Completes Sea Trials Of Its First LNG Dual-Fuel VLCC DE146

Dalian COSCO KHI Ship Engineering (DACKS) has achieved a major milestone with the successful completion of conventional fuel sea trials for its first 309,000 DWT LNG dual-fuel Very Large Crude Carrier (VLCC), named DE146.

This marks a significant advancement in green shipbuilding, combining massive scale with cleaner propulsion technology.

A Giant of the Seas: Design and Capability

Construction of DE146 began on April 19, 2024. The vessel is enormous, with:

• Length: 339.5 meters

• Beam: 60 meters

• Draft: 28.9 meters

• Deck Area: Equivalent to three football fields

The tanker features two 5,100 cubic meter C-type LNG fuel tanks, giving it an impressive LNG cruising range of 19,000 nautical miles. Additionally, it includes traditional fuel tanks, allowing it to switch between fuel types to optimize operational cost and flexibility.

Impressive Sea Trial Performance

The vessel underwent an 8-day sea trial, during which DACKS conducted several key evaluations, such as:

• Ballast tank test

• Main engine endurance test

• Speed and steering performance tests

According to reports, all performance indicators either met or exceeded design expectations, earning praise from the shipowner’s representatives and classification society surveyors.

This trial validated the ship’s capabilities in conventional fuel mode and prepared the groundwork for commissioning the LNG fuel system, which will be a crucial next step.

The DE146 VLCC represents a new generation of large-scale, environmentally friendly tankers, merging capacity with clean fuel adaptability. DACKS’ successful trials not only showcase its technical expertise but also strengthen its position in the global push toward greener shipping solutions. The upcoming LNG system commissioning is expected to further affirm the ship’s potential in supporting maritime decarbonization efforts.