Dalian Shipbuilding Industry Company Ltd. (DSIC) and classification society DNV GL have signed a joint development project (JDP) agreement to develop a new 23,000 TEU LNG fueled ultra large container vessel (ULCV).

The JDP is focused on delivering a design which is ready for construction and reflects upcoming market trends and incoming regulations.

"In developing this new 23,000 TEU LNG fuelled ULCV design, we will show that DSIC can deliver vessels at the cutting edge of the market after two 20,000 TEU container vessels were successfully delivered to COSCO SHIPPING Group this year,” said Mr. Yang Zhi Zhong, President of DSIC.

"We see a continuing strong market for ULCV vessels, with lower slot costs especially valued on the main trading routes. At the same time the expansion in bunkering infrastructure in both China and Europe means that LNG is becoming a viable solution for container vessels, lowering costs and ensuring compliance with incoming regulations."