Shipbuilder sees stellar growth in Chinese demand for low-emission ships

China Rongsheng Heavy Industries Group Holdings plans to build hybrid ships that can be fuelled by both oil and liquefied natural gas (LNG). Rongsheng has teamed up with international marine engine manufacturers, Finland’s Wartsila and Germany’s Man Diesel & Turbo, a member of the Man Group, to study and develop ships with dual fuel propulsion systems, said Chen Qiang, an executive director of Rongsheng. The company said the company is ready to build clean ships if shipowners want them. “The demand for low-emission ships will see stellar growth on the mainland from 2013 as China will inevitably adopt this global trend,” Chen said. (January 5, 2011)