Chinese shipbuilders are gearing up to build liquefied natural gas (LNG) tankers as the government approves more projects to import the fuel.
China's first home-built LNG tanker will be completed in November by Shanghai's Hudong-Zhonghua Shipbuilding Co, which has orders for three more at about $200 million apiece. Another three Chinese shipmakers are ready to build the tankers, the most complex and expensive type of cargo carrier. Next month, China will receive its first cargo of LNG in Guangdong from Australia amid plans to double gas use by 2010 to curb coal pollution. The country is developing its domestic shipbuilding industry to secure transportation of imported raw materials for the expanding economy. China's shipyards plan to double capacity by 2010 as they compete with rivals in South Korea and Japan for market share. Shipowners spent $71.5 billion on new vessels last year, 6.3 percent less than in 2004, as record prices curbed orders for container ships, dry-bulk carriers and tankers. (Source: Bloomberg)