KIET Supports Precision Assembly of the World’s Largest 13,000m³ B-Type LNG Fuel Tank

Project Overview

Massive 13,000m³ LNG fuel tank module being precisely positioned during the shipbuilding process.

The construction of a 13,000m³ B-Type LNG fuel tank for an MSC LNG dual-fuel 16,000TEU container vessel marked a significant milestone in large-scale LNG shipbuilding. Built by Dalian Shipbuilding Equipment Co., Ltd., under China State Shipbuilding Corporation, the tank is recognized as the world’s largest single B-Type LNG fuel tank.

For this landmark project, KIET supplied 12 sets of 180T 3D Adjustment Hydraulic Equipment to support high-load positioning, segment assembly, grand block assembly, and hull block joining operations. The equipment played a critical role in achieving controlled alignment, stable lifting support, and precise multi-directional adjustment during the assembly process.

The successful completion of the LNG fuel tank demonstrated not only advanced construction capability in B-Type LNG containment systems, but also the importance of reliable hydraulic positioning technology in modern shipbuilding.

Customer Background

Dalian Shipbuilding Equipment Co., Ltd. is part of China State Shipbuilding Corporation, one of the world’s major shipbuilding groups. The company has extensive experience in marine equipment manufacturing, shipbuilding support systems, and large-scale structural fabrication.

The 13,000m³ B-Type LNG fuel tank project represents a breakthrough in China’s independent design and manufacturing capability for advanced LNG fuel containment systems. As LNG dual-fuel vessels become increasingly important in global shipping, the ability to construct large-capacity LNG tanks with high precision is a key factor in strengthening international competitiveness.

Engineering Challenges

The complex array of support points required for the LNG tank's grand block assembly.

LNG fuel tank construction presents demanding technical requirements. Unlike standard hull structures, B-Type LNG tanks require high dimensional accuracy, strict welding quality, and controlled assembly deformation. Each segment must be positioned within tight tolerances before final joining.

The project faced several engineering challenges:

• Complex LNG fuel tank assembly:Large tank sections required stable support and accurate alignment before welding and integration.
• High-precision block positioning:Segment assembly and grand block joining demanded controlled adjustment in multiple directions.
• Offshore and shipyard operating conditions:Equipment needed to perform reliably in humid, saline, and demanding marine environments.
• Construction efficiency requirements:The project schedule required faster positioning, reduced rework, and shortened assembly cycles without compromising accuracy.

In such a project environment, hydraulic positioning equipment needed to provide high load capacity, operational stability, and flexible deployment across different assembly stages.

KIET Hydraulic Positioning Solution

A fleet of KIET's 180T hydraulic positioning units, ready to support large-scale engineering projects.

KIET provided a complete hydraulic positioning solution based on 12 sets of 180T 3D Adjustment Hydraulic Equipment. The system was designed to support heavy structural modules while enabling accurate adjustment during assembly operations.

The equipment allowed operators to perform controlled positioning in three dimensions, helping align large LNG tank sections during segment assembly and grand block integration. By combining high-load support with fine adjustment capability, KIET’s solution contributed to stable construction control throughout key assembly phases.

The system’s compact and modular design also made it suitable for shipyard environments where space is limited and equipment must frequently be repositioned between work areas.

Equipment Used

The core equipment deployed on the project was KIET’s 180T 3D Adjustment Hydraulic Equipment.

Key equipment characteristics included:

• 180T high-load capacity per setfor large marine structural modules
• 3D adjustment capabilityfor multi-directional positioning and alignment
• Compact structurefor use in confined shipyard assembly areas
• Modular detachable designfor easier transport, installation, and relocation
• Salt spray resistancefor long-term use in marine environments
• Offshore adaptabilityfor stable operation under demanding site conditions
• High positioning stabilityto support precision joining and welding preparation

This combination of capacity, precision, and environmental resistance made the equipment well suited for LNG tank construction and large-block shipbuilding applications.

Project Execution

KIET's equipment providing stable support during the critical block joining phase inside the LNG tank.

During execution, KIET’s hydraulic equipment was used across multiple construction stages, including segment assembly, grand block assembly, hull block joining, and final positioning adjustment.

The equipment provided stable support points beneath heavy components, allowing controlled movement and fine correction before joining. This helped the project team improve alignment accuracy and reduce manual adjustment work.

Because the equipment was modular and detachable, it could be efficiently transported and deployed to different assembly areas. This flexibility was particularly valuable in a large shipyard project where multiple structural operations needed to be coordinated within a compressed schedule.

Technical Highlights

Several technical advantages contributed to the successful application of KIET’s solution:

• Precision under heavy load:The 180T hydraulic system enabled controlled adjustment of large LNG tank structures.

Demonstrating precision under heavy load: KIET's system ensures stable and accurate alignment.

• Multi-stage application:The equipment supported segment assembly, grand block assembly, and hull block joining.
• Marine environment reliability:Salt spray resistance and offshore adaptability ensured stable operation in shipyard conditions.
• Reduced positioning complexity:3D adjustment capability improved alignment control and reduced reliance on repeated manual correction.
• Efficient site mobility:Modular construction allowed faster transportation, installation, and repositioning.

These technical features helped maintain assembly quality while improving construction efficiency.

Final Results

With the support of KIET’s hydraulic positioning equipment, the project team successfully completed the construction of the world’s largest single 13,000m³ B-Type LNG fuel tank for an MSC LNG dual-fuel 16,000TEU container vessel.

Key results included:

• Successful construction of the world’s largest single B-Type LNG fuel tank
• Improved shipbuilding and assembly efficiency
• Successful precision alignment during critical joining operations
• Reduced assembly cycle through faster positioning and adjustment
• Enhanced construction reliability for large LNG fuel containment systems

The project stands as an important achievement in advanced LNG shipbuilding and demonstrates the value of precision hydraulic equipment in complex marine engineering.

Customer Value

KIET engineers provide on-site support, ensuring precise control and efficient operation of the hydraulic system.

KIET’s equipment helped the customer achieve more accurate, stable, and efficient assembly during a technically demanding LNG fuel tank project. By providing high-load 3D hydraulic positioning capability, KIET supported improved construction control and reduced the time required for block alignment.

For shipyards and marine engineering contractors, this type of solution delivers measurable value in projects where precision, safety, and schedule control are critical.

Conclusion

The 13,000m³ B-Type LNG fuel tank project reflects the increasing scale and complexity of LNG dual-fuel vessel construction. As shipbuilding moves toward cleaner fuel systems and larger LNG containment solutions, precision hydraulic positioning technology plays a vital role in ensuring construction quality.

Through the successful application of 12 sets of 180T 3D Adjustment Hydraulic Equipment, KIET demonstrated its capability to support large-scale offshore and marine engineering projects with reliable, site-ready hydraulic solutions.

Contact KIET’s engineering team to discuss hydraulic positioning solutions designed for heavy-load precision assembly in demanding marine environments.