An LNG vessel docks at Lyusi Port in Qidong. [Photo/WeChat account: qidongfabu]

The colossal liquefied natural gas carrier, Grace Cosmos, docked at Lyusi Port in Qidong, Nantong, Jiangsu on Jan 8, marking the port's first encounter with a mega LNG vessel in 2024.

The Bahamian vessel, measuring 288.18 meters in length and 44.2 meters in width, carried 56,908.79 metric tons (approximately 129,000 cubic meters) of LNG. The amount will be sufficient to meet the one-month gas needs of around 5.27 million households.

Due to the inherent risks associated with LNG, including low temperature and flammability, LNG carriers fall under close monitoring and service assurance of the maritime sector.

Officials from the maritime authorities of Qidong stated that the LNG terminal, owned by Guanghui Energy, is expected to receive at least two LNG vessels every month throughout 2024. Maritime authorities will actively coordinate with all stakeholders to identify available time slots to ensure safe LNG vessel arrivals and departures.

The Guanghui Energy LNG terminal in Qidong currently features two 50,000-cubic-meter LNG storage tanks, two 160,000-cubic-meter tanks, and two 200,000-cubic-meter tanks. With a total storage capacity of 820,000 cubic meters, the station stands poised to provide a stable and reliable LNG source for the East China region.