Indonesia Orders World’s First CNG Carrier from Chinese Yard

Pelayaran Bahtera Adhiguna, a subsidiary of Indonesia’s state-owned power company Perusahaan Listrik Negara (PT PLN) has placed an order with Qingdao Wuchuan Heavy Industry for the world’s first Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) carrier. It will be classed by the American Bureau of Shipping according to a statement released by ABS today.

The Indonesian-flagged, 110 meter ship will be used to transport CNG from the Port of Gresik to Lombok and has been designed by China’s CIMC Ocean Engineering Design & Research Institute.

According to PT PLN, Lombok CNG and the CNG-powered vessel are expected to commence operating in May 2016.   It will sail at speeds of around 14 knots and carry 2,200 m³ of CNG.

“As society’s demands continue to drive the search for cleaner forms of energy, new methods of marine transport, propulsion and processing for gas are being required,” commented ABS’ Chairman and CEO Christopher J. Wiernicki. “ABS remains committed to being on the leading edge of that technical evolution, supporting industry and regulators as they navigate through the challenges.”

For PT PLN, Lombok isn’t their only target for CNG however.  The company says they intend to support three, one-megawatt gas-burning generators at Bawean Island, located approximately 80 nautical miles north from the port of Gresik.

Unlock Exclusive Insights Today!

Join the gCaptain Club for curated content, insider opinions, and vibrant community discussions.

Sign Up