China builds VLGC that is compatible with both Panama Canal locks

The Chang Ping Yuan, a Chinese-built very large gas carrier (VLGC), was recently named in Nantong, Jiangsu province. It is the largest vessel of its kind able to navigate both the old and new locks of the Panama Canal, an advantage that its manufacturer believes will boost China's international energy transport.

The vessel has a liquid cargo tank capacity of 88,000 cubic meters. It can carry nine types of liquefied gas on international routes, including anhydrous ammonia and dimethyl ether, two types that older vessels generally can't carry.