COSCO Shipping Orders 12 LNG Dual-Fuel 18,000 TEU Container Ships from Jiangnan Shipyard
Shanghai: COSCO Shipping Holdings has selected Jiangnan Shipyard for the construction of 12 new 18,000 TEU LNG dual-fuel container vessels, reinforcing its long-term fleet expansion and decarbonization strategy.
The shipbuilding contracts are signed and each ship is estimated to cost around RMB 1.4 billion (USD 200 million). The order is a significant move in the quest by COSCO Shipping to increase its fleet capacity, balance growth and competitive edge in the global container shipping market.
Advanced LNG Dual-Fuel Design Supports Decarbonization Goals
The vessels belong to Jiangnan Shipyard’s independently developed “Kun” series (KUN-18N), designed to operate primarily on liquefied natural gas (LNG). These next-generation boxships feature high fuel efficiency, reduced emissions, and environmentally friendly performance, aligning with COSCO Shipping’s carbon reduction roadmap.
According to the company, all major technical and performance indicators of the KUN-18N series meet China’s advanced domestic standards, offering significant advantages in energy efficiency and sustainability.
Delivery Timeline and Deployment Plans
The 18,000 TEU LNG dual-fuel container ships are scheduled for delivery between 2028 and 2029. Upon completion, the vessels will be deployed on east-west trade routes, where they are expected to:
- Improve service reliability and transit efficiency
- Optimize operational and fuel costs
- Strengthen COSCO Shipping’s competitiveness on major global routes
Strong Partnership between COSCO and Jiangnan Shipyard
Jiangnan Shipyard has an established track record with COSCO Shipping Group, having previously delivered:
- 12 container ships of 5,100 TEU
- 8 container ships of 4,700 TEU
- 6 ultra-large container ships of 21,000 TEU
This latest order further deepens the strategic cooperation between the two companies in advancing large-scale, environmentally sustainable container shipping solutions.
Strategic Impact on Global Container Shipping
The newbuilding program supports COSCO Shipping Holdings’ global development strategy by modernizing its fleet with LNG-powered vessels, enhancing long-term operational efficiency, and positioning the group to meet tightening international environmental regulations.
