GTT secures an order for the tank design for the world’s six largest ethane carriers
GTT and Jiangnan Shipyard Partner to Build World’s Largest Ethane Carriers
GTT and Jiangnan Shipyard Work Together on Ultra-Large Ethane Carriers
In the third quarter of 2024, GTT (Gaztransport & Technigaz) received a significant order from its partner, Jiangnan Shipyard (Group) Co., Ltd. This order is for the tank design of six Ultra Large Ethane Carriers (ULEC) on behalf of Eastern Pacific Shipping. These special ships will be the largest ethane carriers ever built, with each having a huge capacity of 150,000 cubic meters.
The Largest Ethane Carriers Ever Made
GTT’s advanced technology will be used to create the tanks for these massive ships. They will be equipped with the Mark III membrane containment system, which is designed by GTT. This system is known for its ability to safely transport liquefied gases, including ethane and other petrochemical gases. The tanks can also be adapted for transporting liquefied natural gas (LNG), offering flexibility in their use.
The delivery of these ships is expected to happen between the first and third quarters of 2027. What makes this project stand out is that these Ultra Large Ethane Carriers will break records. Up until now, the largest ethane carriers, called Very Large Ethane Carriers (VLEC), could only carry about 99,000 cubic meters of ethane. GTT has been a pioneer in building these ultra-large carriers since 2018. The first approval for a ULEC of this size was given in 2019 after a collaboration between GTT and Jiangnan Shipyard.
Why These Ships Are Important
These new ethane carriers are important because they can carry a wider range of gases that are used in the petrochemical industry. This makes them more useful for companies that need to transport different types of liquefied gases. The new system developed by GTT will help these ships be more efficient and adapt to market changes. This means that if there is more demand for LNG in the future, these ships can easily be converted to LNG carriers.
What the Experts Say
Jean-Baptiste Choimet, CEO of GTT, said that this new order shows how GTT is continuing to create better, more innovative ways to transport ethane. He highlighted that GTT is always working to improve its technology so that ships can carry larger amounts of gas and have the flexibility to meet market demands.
Hu Keyi, Chief of Corporate Technology at Jiangnan Shipyard, expressed his pride in working on these world-leading ethane carriers. He said that ethane carriers are a key part of their business, and with GTT’s help, these ships will be more efficient than ever. He also shared the recent success of Jiangnan’s first LNG carrier, which uses the same Mark III membrane system.
About GTT
GTT is a global technology company that designs special containment systems for transporting and storing liquefied gases. For over 60 years, GTT has been creating and improving these systems, which are used in LNG carriers, floating terminals, onshore storage tanks, and multi-gas carriers. GTT is committed to helping the world reduce carbon emissions and is working on solutions that allow commercial ships to use cleaner fuels like LNG. The company is also developing digital tools to make ships more eco-friendly and is exploring ways to use low-carbon energy. Through its subsidiary, Elogen, GTT is also involved in producing green hydrogen, a clean energy source for the future.
Why This Matters
As the world moves towards cleaner energy and reducing carbon emissions, companies like GTT are helping lead the way with innovative technologies. By building ships that can carry more gas while using fewer resources, GTT is helping make the global transport of energy more efficient and environmentally friendly.
