- Full Capacity and Green Innovation Drive Guangzhou Shipbuilding.
- Guangzhou Ramps Up LNG and Ammonia-Powered Vessel Projects.
- Guangzhou’s Green Marine Tech Gains Global Momentum.
Shipyards in Guangzhou, located in southern China, are buzzing with activity this summer, fully booked as they tackle a surge of new orders for cutting-edge, low-carbon vessels. This uptick in orders is part of a broader effort to meet global green shipping targets, reports China.org.cn.
New LNG Carrier Project
Just last month, Guangzhou Shipyard International Company Limited kicked off the construction of a 230-meter-long LNG dual-fuel car carrier for a client from South Korea. This impressive vessel, which will run on both fuel oil and natural gas, is set to be one of the largest of its kind worldwide. The company currently has over 90 ships on order, most of which are slated for delivery by 2028, all designed with advanced technology and eco-friendliness in mind.
Meanwhile, CSSC Huangpu Wenchong Shipbuilding Company Limited has started building China’s very first LPG/liquid ammonia carrier that will be powered by ammonia alongside another fuel. Ammonia is gaining traction as a promising alternative fuel for the shipping industry, thanks to its carbon-free properties and high energy density. The company has secured several orders for these vessels, highlighting the growing demand for alternative-fuel ship technology.
Innovation in Propulsion and Technology
The marine sector in Guangzhou is also seeing exciting advancements in propulsion technology. After more than ten years of research, Guangzhou HG Marine Co., Ltd. has rolled out a rim-driven electric propulsion system designed to cut down on underwater noise and marine pollution. These thrusters are not only highly efficient but also operate quietly and produce zero oil discharge.
“The company has maintained strong growth this year, with orders surging and production scheduled more than a year ahead,” said Qiu, who added that the export of the megawatt-class rim thrusters has opened up broader international markets for the company and secured stable orders for future ocean-going fishery processing vessels.
Guangdong’s Shipbuilding Growth Stays Strong
Even with a dip in global shipbuilding orders, Guangdong Province is holding its ground. Between January and May, the province saw a 2.5% year-on-year increase in completed ship output, and the order backlog surged by an impressive 29.3%, as reported by the provincial shipbuilding industry association. Guangzhou, the capital city, has built a robust shipbuilding supply chain.
Supportive Policies and a Vision for Tomorrow
Local officials are committed to transforming Guangzhou into a centre for marine innovation, with a focus on deep-sea, eco-friendly, and smart marine industries.
“Guangzhou was born by the sea and thrives because of the sea,” said Guo Yonghang, Party chief of the city. “We must accelerate the cultivation of new quality productive forces in the marine sector and strengthen breakthroughs in key core technologies.”
Global Alignment with IMO Emission Goals
This local progress is part of a bigger global movement in shipping policy. Back in April, countries came together to agree on a groundbreaking framework through the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) aimed at cutting down greenhouse gas emissions from shipping. The plan introduces mandatory fuel standards and a carbon pricing system that spans the entire industry. It will target large ocean-going vessels over 5,000 gross tonnage, which are responsible for about 85% of total maritime CO₂ emissions.
These measures are set to be formally adopted in October 2025, with implementation starting in 2027.
Breakthrough in Offshore Carbon Capture
In March, Shanghai unveiled the world’s first floating production storage and offloading (FPSO) vessel that comes with carbon capture and storage technology. The impressive 333-meter-long AGOGO FPSO captures CO₂ onboard and utilises exhaust heat to produce electricity, which not only helps reduce emissions but also boosts energy efficiency, showcasing how innovative vessel design is paving the way for greener shipping.
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Source: China.org.cn
