World's first LNG-fuelled ship begins test voyage in China

BEIJING: The world's first liquefied natural gas-fuelled carrier has embarked on its maiden test voyage from an eastern Chinese port.

The 5,000 deadweight tonnage carrier - that began its test voyage from the port city of Zhangjiagang in Jiangsu Province - is one of two LNG-fuelled vessels ordered by Norwegian logistics and shipping company Nor Lines AS.

The ocean-going cargo vessel is expected to be delivered to Nor Lines in June, according to Chinese ship builder Tsuji Heavy Industries (Jiangsu) Shipyard.

The shipyard did not say when the second ship will be produced, state-run Xinhua news agency reported.

Compared to traditional diesel fuel, the use of natural gas-fuelled engines can significantly reduce pollution from sulphur dioxide, nitrogen oxide and carbon dioxide in emissions.

The ship's design was developed by Rolls-Royce Maritime.