On October 10 at 9:28 AM, Changhong International successfully ignited the first two 11,500 TEU liquefied natural gas dual-fuel container ships built for the world-renowned shipping company Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC) in the A5 cutting workshop, marking the entry of the ships into the substantial construction phase. Changhong International has also officially joined the ranks of large container ship builders, continuously advancing shipbuilding towards high added value, serialization, and large-scale production.

The ceremony was jointly witnessed by the on-site office of Mediterranean Shipping Company, Hedley Shipping, DNV GL, Bohai Bank, CIMC Xinde Leasing, CIMC Design Institute, and some employees of Changhong International.

The ship type has a total length of 335 meters, a beam of 45.6 meters, a depth of 25 meters, and a designed speed of 20 knots. The first two ships are classified by DNV GL. This project marks the first collaboration between Changhong International and Mediterranean Shipping Company in the construction of ultra-large container ships, reflecting the recognition of world-class shipowners of Changhong's capabilities in ship design, production processes, construction capabilities, and system integration. Currently, the company holds orders for 20 LNG dual-fuel container ships from Mediterranean Shipping Company, including 10 of 11,500 TEU and 10 of 10,300 TEU.

The 11,500 TEU project is a new type of ship under Changhong International's development strategy in the new era. It effectively utilizes the technological strength and production resources accumulated through the company's ongoing 'upgrade development strategy' in recent years, while expanding and enriching the company's product types. It fully tests Changhong International's potential in high-end shipbuilding and represents another milestone in the company's continuous breakthroughs and advancements.

Changhong International will take the commencement of this project as an opportunity to summarize and accumulate construction experience, optimize construction processes, innovate construction techniques, and continuously expand the brand's market influence.

The 11,500 TEU container ship is a new generation of dual-fuel container ship designed and developed independently by CIMC Design Institute ORIC, with complete intellectual property rights. It adopts a dual-island layout and is equipped with the largest C-type LNG fuel tank in its class. The range in LNG mode and fuel oil mode can meet the round-trip needs of classic Central Europe or Central America routes, ensuring flexibility in the shipowner's operational plans.

The ship features clean and environmentally friendly characteristics, with low carbon emissions, saving about 5% of fuel compared to existing similar ships. The Energy Efficiency Design Index (EEDI) is approximately 40% lower than the International Maritime Organization (IMO) stringent third-phase emission baseline. The design has excellent technological foresight, adopting both LNG and traditional fuel dual-power propulsion forms, as well as the industry's most advanced ammonia fuel 'ready' design. It is also equipped with various energy-saving optimization devices, such as high-power shaft generators, shore power systems, energy-saving ducts, and energy efficiency monitoring systems.

In terms of safety, in addition to the conventional CO2 and dry powder fire extinguishing systems, a fixed water cannon fire extinguishing system located on the deck has been added, allowing the fire-fighting system to cover all containers carried on the ship's deck, greatly enhancing the ship's safety level.