A VLGC newbuilding ordered by a Chinese shipowner at a domestic yard is to be fitted with a propulsion system designed to use LPG fuel.

Industry sources have revealed that the 86,000-cbm newbuilding recently inked by Tianjin Southwest Maritime (TSM) will be kitted out with MAN Energy Solutions’ new two-stroke, dual-fuel engine ME-LGIP, which is designed for the gas.

TradeWinds reported earlier this month that Guangzhou-based TSM had turned to China State Shipbuilding Corp (SCCS) controlled-Jiangnan Shipyard to contract a lone VLGC for delivery in the second half of 2021.