Posted on January 12, 2026
Shell Shipping and Maritime, CSSC Hudong-Zhonghua Shipbuilding, and Wärtsilä Marine have unveiled a groundbreaking hybrid electric liquefied natural gas (LNG) carrier design at Gastech 2023 in Singapore. This initiative stems from extensive collaboration across the value chain, showcasing a commitment to innovation in the maritime sector.
The new vessel design features a compact propulsion system capable of accommodating a cargo capacity of 185,000 cubic meters (cbm) while maintaining the standard dimensions and displacement of a traditional 174,000 cbm vessel. This is significant, as the LNG carriers are typically designed to navigate at speeds of 19.5 knots. However, the average operational speed has recently declined to about 15 knots. This discrepancy indicates that current 2-stroke solutions are not being utilized efficiently, leading to higher emissions, as noted by Wärtsilä.
To address these inefficiencies, the new modular hybrid electric design is projected to achieve substantial improvements in operational performance. These estimates suggest a reduction of approximately 10% in fuel consumption and a 15% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions compared to existing powering solutions and operational profiles in today’s LNG trade. Additionally, it aims for over a 20% decrease in methane slip, which is a critical goal for reducing the environmental impacts associated with LNG transportation.
This innovative power system is not only modular and electrified but also hybridized, making it more efficient across varying operational conditions. It offers enhanced operational flexibility and the potential for seamless integration of future decarbonization technologies. The shift toward electric propulsion is already a rising trend in the shipping industry, with a growing number of vessels benefiting from this proven technology. Currently, around 230 LNG carriers are operating with electric propulsion systems, demonstrating the viability of this approach.
Moreover, there is an increasing trend of adopting hybrid electric propulsion across various maritime segments, including small merchant vessels and ferries, as ship owners seek more adaptable and sustainable solutions.
In addition to showcasing the future of LNG carriers, Hudong-Zhonghua Shipbuilding has recently received approval in principle (AiP) for its new LNG carrier design, which currently holds the title of the largest in the world, featuring a cargo tank capacity of 271,000 cbm. This AiP has been issued by four major classification societies: the American Bureau of Shipping (ABS), DNV, Lloyd’s Register (LR), and Bureau Veritas (BV).
Overall, this collaborative project represents a significant advancement in the quest for greener and more efficient shipping solutions, paving the way for the future of LNG transportation with minimized environmental impact.
