China's first self-designed and built 8,200-cubic-meter LNG bunkering vessel leaves Qidong for overseas delivery on Oct 27. [Photo/Nantong Daily]

China's first self-designed and built 8,200-cubic-meter LNG bunkering vessel left Qidong for overseas delivery on Oct 27.

The ship was customized by Nantong CIMC Sinopacific Offshore & Engineering Co Ltd for an Italian company. It is 113 meters long, 20 meters wide, and 13.5 meters deep. It uses advanced electric propulsion, dual-fuel generators, and azimuth thrusters.

The Nantong maritime bureau ensured the quality of shipbuilding by working with the ship inspection agency and helping the enterprise. It also organized a safety assessment meeting before the ship's first bunkering operation and clarified the safety supervision requirements.

The ship will strengthen the leading position of domestic enterprises in medium and small LNG ships and LNG bunkering vessels.