HOMEHengli Heavy Industry Secures 52 Ultra-Large Dual-Fuel Container Ship Orders | Chinas Shipbuilding Capacity Expands, Green Marine Supply Chain Grows
Publish Time: 28 October 2026
On October 26, Hengli Heavy Industry Group announced construction agreements with several major international container lines for 52 ultra-large dual-fuel container ships, covering three mainstream sizes: 20 units of 19,000 TEU, 12 units of 22,000 TEU and 20 units of 24,000 TEU. It is one of the largest batch orders for container ships globally in recent years, marking a major breakthrough for private Chinese shipbuilders in ultra-large green vessels and confirming the sustained release of global container fleet green replacement demand.
1. Behind the Orders: Ultra-Large Container Ships Enter Green Replacement Cycle
All 52 vessels on order feature dual-fuel propulsion, a concentrated reflection of the shipping industry's decarbonization trend. As IMO Carbon Intensity Indicator (CII) requirements tighten, leading liner companies are accelerating the phasing-out of older high-emission vessels in favor of LNG or methanol dual-fuel ultra-large container ships to meet long-term compliance and cost-reduction goals.
In terms of vessel profile, the 19,000–24,000 TEU range represents the backbone of deep-sea trunk routes. Batch construction means the global container fleet will see a wave of concentrated renewal over the next 2–3 years. Alongside Hengli, Chinese yards including Hudong-Zhonghua, Jiangnan Shipyard and Yangzijiang Shipbuilding continue to deliver large dual-fuel container ships, further expanding China's global share in ultra-large green vessel construction.
2. Dual-Fuel Vessels Drive Upgraded Demand for Supporting Materials
Mass construction of dual-fuel container ships imposes higher performance and certification requirements on marine supporting materials:
- Fuel tank zones: Strict A60 fire divisions are required between LNG or methanol fuel tanks and engine rooms / accommodation, demanding higher fire integrity and chemical stability from non-combustible insulation materials;
- Engine room high-temperature zones: Dual-fuel engine exhausts and boiler flues operate at high temperatures with fluctuating conditions across fuel modes, requiring high-temperature insulation with stable thermal performance and structural durability;
- HVAC and cabins: Ship-wide ventilation ducting and cabin thermal-acoustic insulation demand grows in parallel, significantly increasing consumption of medium-low temperature insulation;
- Regulatory certification: Deep-sea vessels require multiple class society certifications such as MED and CCS, alongside IHM hazardous material inventory compliance.
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3. Market Outlook: Green Ship Supply Chain Synergy Accelerates
Concentrated large orders are driving the coordinated development of China's entire green ship supply chain. From propulsion systems (domestic dual-fuel main engines) and fuel systems to fire insulation materials and port bunkering infrastructure, every link is seeing growth opportunities amid the green shipping transition.
For the marine insulation sector, mass construction of dual-fuel vessels brings not only volume growth but also product structure upgrading. Environmentally compliant, temperature-stable, fully certified professional materials are gradually replacing traditional low-end products, and manufacturers with full-range portfolios and complete certification systems hold a stronger competitive edge.
Harmony's full product range — AES bio-soluble fiber, RCFWOOL ceramic wool and marine glass wool — holds CCS Type Approval and MED Wheel-Mark certification, fully covering A60 fire division, high-temperature pipe insulation and cabin HVAC needs for dual-fuel container ships.