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The signing ceremony of the shipbuilding contract for what is said to be "the world's first pure LNG propulsion multipurpose vessel" was held in Shanghai on the afternoon of October 18th.

China's Tsuji Heavy Industries, based in Jiangsu, signed the relevant contracts with Norwegian shipping firm Norlines and power systems company Rolls-Royce.

Norlines, with support from the Norwegian Authorities and in close collaboration with Rolls-Royce Marine, developed the "Pure Natural Gas (LNG) propulsion multi-purpose vessel" with the objective to cut fuel consumption and reduce emissions.

According to Tsuji, the new design will achieve a reduction in CO2 emissions of more than 35 percent compared to current vessels in the market. NOx emissions will be reduced by 95 percent and SOx emissions and particles (soot) from the fuel will be completely eliminated. The ship design was the winner of the "Next Generation Ship Award" at Nor-shipping 2011.

"Tsuji is proud to be selected as the building yard for this project among more than 20 world-class shipyards," the company said in a statement.

"The undertaking of this project will enhance the shipbuilding capabilities of Tsuji and leads a new progress of shipbuilding technology in China," the company added.