On September 24, China’s independently designed and built 175,000 cubic meter liquefied natural gas (LNG) carrier Hai Yun was successfully delivered at Dalian Shipbuilding Industry Company, marking a significant milestone for China’s shipbuilding and global energy transportation industries. Zhejiang Four Brothers Rope Co., Ltd. (FBR) supplied the complete mooring rope package for the vessel, further reinforcing its leading position in high-end marine rope solutions.
The delivery of Hai Yun represents an important step in the advancement of China’s LNG carrier construction capabilities, a segment often regarded as one of the most technically demanding areas in commercial shipbuilding. For FBR, the project adds another landmark reference to its growing portfolio of LNG carrier applications.
Broad Recognition Across China’s Leading LNG Shipyards
FBR has now achieved full coverage of China’s three major LNG carrier shipyards. The company previously supported multiple LNG projects at Hudong-Zhonghua Shipbuilding, where large LNG carrier construction in China was first established, including high-standard FSRU-LNG and conventional LNG carrier programs.
In recent years, FBR also completed mooring rope supply for an LNG carrier project at Jiangnan Shipyard, built for an Abu Dhabi-related project, further expanding its footprint in this highly specialized sector.
The successful delivery of Hai Yun at Dalian Shipbuilding completes FBR’s participation across all three major domestic LNG carrier builders, demonstrating broad recognition of its products by China’s LNG shipbuilding “first tier.” At the same time, the project strengthens FBR’s long-term cooperation with China Merchants Energy Shipping, one of the world’s leading LNG carrier operators.
A Technologically Advanced LNG Carrier
Hai Yun was built by Dalian Shipbuilding Industry Company in cooperation with China Shipbuilding Trading Co., Ltd. for China Merchants Energy Shipping. The vessel integrates a range of advanced technologies and sets a high benchmark for compatibility with global LNG terminals.
With an overall length of 295 meters and a beam of 46.4 meters, the ship features a total cargo capacity of 175,000 cubic meters. At full load, a single voyage can supply the equivalent of approximately one and a half months of LNG demand for a major coastal city. Its port adaptability and ship–shore compatibility are considered to be at an internationally leading level.
Given the vessel’s scale and operational profile, the performance requirements for its mooring system are exceptionally demanding. Safety, durability, and reliability under long-term service conditions were key considerations during rope selection.
POWERNEEMA® RRR Mooring Ropes for Enhanced Safety
To meet these requirements, Hai Yun is equipped with FBR’s POWERNEEMA® RRR (Reduced Recoil Risk) ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) mooring ropes, one of the company’s flagship products.
The ropes are known for their high strength-to-weight ratio, low weight, and excellent resistance to ultraviolet exposure and chemical corrosion. Even under prolonged use in harsh marine environments, they maintain stable mechanical performance.
A key feature of the POWERNEEMA® RRR design is its reduced recoil risk construction. In the event of accidental rope failure, the low-recoil core significantly mitigates snap-back forces, providing valuable additional reaction time for personnel operating in hazardous zones. This contributes to improved onboard safety while also supporting long-term lifecycle cost control by reducing replacement frequency and unplanned downtime.
On-Site Technical Support and Installation Guidance
Ahead of the vessel’s sea trials, FBR dispatched a team of senior engineers to Dalian to support the installation of all 23 mooring lines onboard Hai Yun (yard name: SEA SPIRIT). Upon arrival, the engineers conducted a comprehensive inspection of the mooring equipment, completed rope verification procedures, and provided hands-on installation guidance to ensure compliance with best practices.
In addition, detailed training was delivered to the vessel’s chief officer, covering proper rope handling, operational precautions, and maintenance requirements. This on-site support reflected FBR’s commitment to professional service and safe, efficient deployment of its products.
Looking Ahead
The successful delivery of Hai Yun further consolidates FBR’s position in the LNG carrier segment—one of the most demanding and safety-critical areas of marine rope application. Building on this achievement, the company will continue to invest in advanced rope technologies and application-driven innovation.
Guided by its mission of “SAFE MORE, SAVE MORE”, FBR remains focused on helping customers achieve enhanced safety and optimized lifecycle cost performance. Through continuous product development and professional technical support, the company aims to deliver safer, more efficient, more durable, and more sustainable rope solutions for the global maritime and energy transportation industries.