French LNG containment firm GTT has signed a technical assistance and license agreement with Hengli Shipbuilding (Dalian), part of China’s conglomerate Hengli.
GTT said this deal strengthens its presence in China, enabling the broader deployment of its technologies across the region.
According to GTT, the deal will enable Hengli to offer solutions using GTT’s membrane containment systems for the construction of various type of vessels.
The vessel include LNG carriers, very large ethane carriers (VLECs), ultra Large ethane carriers (ULECs), multi-fuel vessels, and bunkering vessels.
Hengli obtained its GTT license after a qualification process that began in 2024, including the completion of study cases and the construction of a Mark III technology mock-up, GTT said.
“Becoming GTT’s latest licensed outfitter in China reflects the confidence GTT has in our expertise and capabilities,” Chen Jianhua, chairman of Hengli, said.
“We look forward to working with GTT on the construction of future liquefied gas carriers as well as LNG and ammonia-fueled vessels,” Jianhua said.
Last year, Switzerland-based shipping giant MSC booked ten LNG dual-fuel vessels with a capacity of 21,000 teu at Hengli. These vessels were said to feature type C tanks.
Brokers also said that MSC booked 10 LNG dual-fuel vessels with a capacity of 24,000 teu at Hengli.
Hengli and Gianluigi Aponte-led MSC signed a strategic cooperation framework agreement in Geneva on August 23, 2024.
The two firms agreed to collaborate in a wide range of areas, including shipbuilding, engine manufacturing, ship repair, and vessel retrofitting.