Everllence locks in Hudong-Zhonghua for LNG carrier design push

Everllence and Hudong-Zhonghua partner to develop next-gen LNG carriers with hybrid-electric propulsion

Chinese state-owned shipbuilder Hudong-Zhonghua Shipbuilding and marine propulsion specialist Everllence have formalized a collaboration to design a new class of 180,000-cubic-metre LNG carriers, featuring Everllence’s advanced DFE+ (Dual-Fuel Electric+) propulsion system. The agreement, signed on June 5, 2026, aims to address the shipping industry’s pressing need for greener solutions amid tightening IMO CII emissions regulations.

The Engineering Design Agreement (EDA) builds on a prior partnership that delivered 10 conventional DFDE (Dual-Fuel Diesel Electric) LNG carriers. This time, the focus shifts to hybrid-electric technology to offer shipowners more options for meeting decarbonization targets by 2050. “Individual providers can only achieve marginal efficiency gains,” noted Dominik Thoma, Everllence’s Global Manager for LNG Cargo, emphasizing that “close collaboration between shipyards and engine manufacturers is key to breakthroughs.”

Representing the signatories were Yang Chunhua, Deputy Director of Hudong-Zhonghua’s Technical Centre, and Pan Ke, Everllence’s Head of Sales & Projects for Four-Stroke China. Song Wei, Hudong-Zhonghua’s Chief Technical Engineer, underscored the urgency: “Shipowners face unprecedented challenges to reach net-zero emissions. This hybrid-electric solution will expand their toolkit for compliance and efficiency.”

The project leverages Hudong-Zhonghua’s leadership in LNG carrier construction and Everllence’s expertise in four-stroke engine design, targeting significant advancements in propulsion system performance.

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