On August 20, 2026, Shanghai Rules & Research Institute under China Classification Society (CCS) successfully hosted a technical rules exchange meeting on 271,000cbm ultra-large LNG carriers in Shanghai. The event brought together experts and representatives from internationally renowned LNG carrier owners – including QatarEnergy LNG, CLNG, MOL, Nakilat, CMES, and SDME – as well as Hudong-Zhonghua Shipbuilding (Group) Co., Ltd., and other IACS member societies including ABS, BV, DNV, and LR. The participants engaged in in-depth discussions on the latest regulatory developments and technological innovations for ultra-large LNG carriers.

Source: CCS

Focus on Rules and Technology

Mr. Qiao Shoucheng, Deputy Director of CCS Shanghai Rules & Research Institute, attended the meeting and delivered a welcome address. He noted that, driven by the rapid expansion of global LNG trade and the green transition of the shipping industry, technical standards and safety requirements for ultra-large LNG carriers have become an increasingly important industry focus. Looking ahead, CCS will deepen its efforts in technological innovation and provide advanced solutions to support the safe and efficient transport of energy worldwide. During the meeting, CCS experts briefed attendees on the latest outcomes of the 84th session of the IMO Marine Environment Protection Committee, with particular emphasis on new requirements related to non-CO- emission controls. They also presented a systematic analysis of the impact of the forthcoming amendments to the International Code for the Construction and Equipment of Ships Carrying Liquefied Gases in Bulk – expected to enter into force following the 111th session of the IMO Maritime Safety Committee – on the design, construction, and equipment configuration of 271,000m³ ultra-large LNG carriers. In the discussion session, participants engaged in full exchanges and addressed a range of technical issues of concern to shipowners and shipyards, including the applicability of new regulations, the layout of carbon capture systems, and the deployment of alternative fuels.

Source: CCS

Driving Industry Progress

The exchange meeting highlighted the deep integration of cutting-edge regulations with large-vessel technology, demonstrating CCS’s solid technical capabilities and extensive practical experience in the ultra-large LNG carrier sector. The successful convening of the meeting further strengthened CCS’s collaboration with partners across the global LNG industry chain and enhanced its technical recognition and influence in the large LNG carrier sector.

leveraging its technical leadership, CCS will continue to closely track international maritime regulatory developments and work jointly with industry stakeholders to drive global LNG transport toward safer, greener, and more efficient operations.