Shanghai-based Hudong-Zhonghua Shipbuilding, a subsidiary of China State Shipbuilding Corporation (CSSC), has officially launched a state-of-the-art smart shipyard on Changxing Island, marking a significant milestone in China’s maritime industry. The facility, spanning 431.8 hectares, represents an investment of RMB 18 billion (approximately USD 2.5 billion) and is poised to significantly enhance the company’s LNG carrier production capabilities.
The first phase of the shipyard, covering 214.6 hectares with an investment of RMB 8 billion, includes a hull joint workshop, curved-section assembly and welding halls, coating centers, indoor and open-air docks, outfitting wharfs, and module yards. A new R&D and design building has also been established to centralize research and project coordination efforts .
The inauguration of the smart shipyard comes at a time when Chinese shipbuilders are securing a larger share of global LNG carrier orders. Currently, Chinese yards account for 28% of new LNG carrier contracts, a significant increase from the 7% of the existing global LNG fleet built in China .
