On September 24,2025, the first vessel of the 175,000 cubic meter liquefied natural gas (LNG) carrier "SEA SPIRIT", built by Dalian Shipbuilding Industry Group Co., Ltd. (referred to as "Dalian Shipbuilding") for China Merchants Shipping, was successfully named and delivered. The delivery and naming ceremony was attended by Zhao Yan, President of China Classification Society (CCS).

      The "SEA SPIRIT" marks Dalian Shipbuilding's first large-scale LNG carrier project and the inaugural survey of such vessels by CCS Dalian Branch. Independently developed and designed by Dalian Shipbuilding, this 295-meter-long vessel boasts exceptional port adaptability and shore compatibility, enabling it to dock at nearly all major LNG receiving terminals worldwide.

The Dalian Branch formed a dedicated LNG task force by mobilizing its core ship surveyors. During the construction of the first LNG carrier, they tackled the project's stringent requirements and tight deadlines with rigorous professionalism and efficient collaboration. Through close coordination with the shipowner and shipyard, they established a tripartite coordination mechanism to overcome technical challenges. The team implemented comprehensive quality control throughout critical phases including cargo containment system installation, low-temperature material welding, and liquid cargo tank air-tightness testing, ensuring flawless shipbuilding standards.

During this period, under the guidance and coordination of CCS headquarters, the LNG technical support team composed of system experts conducted multiple on-site visits to the construction site. They engaged in specialized technical exchanges with stakeholders, assisted in resolving core technical challenges including thin-film tank construction processes and low-temperature liquid cargo pipeline construction control. These efforts effectively shortened the technical confirmation cycle and ensured the smooth progress of key project milestones.

The successful delivery of SEA SPIRIT is another fruitful cooperation between CCS, Dalian Shipbuilding and China Merchants Shipping, highlighting CCS' professional technical capabilities in high-tech and high value-added ships.

At present, Dalian Branch is fully involved in the survey of 12 large LNG carriers built by Dalian Shipbuilding. CCS will continue to strengthen coordination with various parties to ensure high-quality delivery of ships, injecting continuous momentum into the construction of China's clean energy transportation system and the implementation of the strategy of maritime power.

Jiang Botao, manager of CCS International Business Operations Department , Zhang Hui, general manager of Dalian branch, and other officials attended the delivery ceremony.