French maritime engineering technology company, Gaztransport & Technigaz (GTT), along with COSCO Shipping LNG Investment (Shanghai) Co., Ltd. (CSLNG) and COSCO Shipping Heavy Industry Co., Ltd. (CHI), has signed a strategic cooperation agreement to enhance collaboration in liquefied natural gas (LNG) carrier development and related technologies.
This agreement marks the first collaboration between GTT and CSLNG, which specializes in LNG transportation project investment, shipbuilding, and fleet management. Meanwhile, GTT and CHI had previously signed agreements in January 2018 and May 2020 focusing on newbuilds, maintenance, and retrofits of LNG carriers and LNG-fueled ships.
Expanding Cooperation in LNG and Multi-Gas Carrier Technologies
Under this new partnership, the three companies will strengthen their cooperation in several key areas, including LNG carriers (LNGCs), ultra-large ethane carriers (ULECs), very large ethane carriers (VLECs), floating liquefied natural gas units (FLNGs), and the use of ammonia and LNG as fuel solutions for very large crude carriers (VLCCs).
A central objective of the agreement is to promote the application of GTT’s membrane technology in these fields. Additionally, the partnership aims to foster innovation, develop new projects, and provide educational training for young professionals entering the LNG sector.
Strengthening Industry Collaboration
Adnan Ezzarhouni, General Manager of GTT China, emphasized the significance of the partnership:
“We are proud to start this strategic cooperation with CSLNG and CHI. This partnership not only reinforces the trust between shipowners, shipyards, and GTT but also paves the way for delivering innovative and efficient solutions to meet the evolving requirements of the energy industry.”
Qin Jiong, Vice General Manager of COSCO Shipping Energy Transportation Co., Ltd. and Chairman of CSLNG, highlighted the importance of joint expertise in advancing multi-gas vessel technology:
“We are pleased to partner with GTT in the development of multi-gas vessels. By leveraging the respective strengths of CSLNG, CHI, and GTT, we aim to create cutting-edge products and services that deliver maximum value to all our stakeholders.”
Sun Yingshui, Deputy General Manager of COSCO Shipping Heavy Industry, noted the impact of the partnership on both innovation and talent development:
“Our partnership is set to drive a range of ambitious projects from innovation to education, taking a new step in advancing our industry. With an established supply chain, highly skilled on-site teams, and increasingly mature training programs for GTT technologies in China, we are fully confident in our ability to continue delivering high-quality vessels to our customers.”
A Step Forward in LNG and Ammonia-Fueled Ship Development
This agreement reflects a growing industry focus on LNG and ammonia as alternative marine fuels, aligning with global decarbonization efforts. The collaboration between GTT, CSLNG, and CHI is expected to drive advancements in vessel efficiency, safety, and environmental performance, reinforcing China’s role as a key player in LNG and multi-gas shipbuilding.
Source GTT