A few countries' technology monopoly finalization history LNG marine insulation materials localization...

LNG carriers are specialized vessels designed to transport liquefied natural gas (LNG), a fuel that must be kept at extremely low temperatures of around -162°C. Due to the complexity of the technology involved, only a handful of countries have been able to build these ships. The insulation materials used in such vessels, which must withstand ultra-low temperatures for extended periods, were once exclusively manufactured by a few developed nations, including the United States, Japan, and Italy. However, this situation has now changed. Researchers from Zhejiang University, in collaboration with Zhejiang Pusen Co., Ltd., have successfully developed rigid polyurethane foam insulation materials suitable for use on domestic LNG ships. Recently, a supply contract was signed in Shanghai, marking a major breakthrough in the industry. Professor Wang Liqun, deputy director of the Institute of Polymer Science at Zhejiang University and head of the LNG Marine Insulation Materials Project Team, explained that the thermal insulation material used in LNG ships is critical for ensuring the safety and efficiency of the storage and transportation process. For years, this technology was dominated by a small group of countries. After nearly two years of research, the team managed to develop a high-performance rigid polyurethane foam using locally sourced polyurethane raw materials. This innovation has passed rigorous certifications from the French GTT Company and the American Bureau of Shipping (ABS), making it eligible for use in LNG vessels. Hudong Zhonghua Shipbuilding (Group) Co., Ltd., the sole Chinese company currently building LNG ships, has already conducted trial evaluations of the new material. According to Wang, all technical specifications met or exceeded the design requirements. The project began in 2004 when Hudong Zhonghua started constructing China's first LNG ship. At that time, the company entrusted Pusen to explore the localization of marine insulation materials. Pusen, a private enterprise with over two decades of experience in refractory materials, had already been collaborating with Zhejiang University since 2000. In August 2005, the two organizations established a joint R&D center and formed a dedicated project team to tackle the challenges of developing advanced insulation solutions. The development of the rigid polyurethane foam required overcoming several technical hurdles. The material needed to provide excellent thermal insulation, structural support, and a low density. The team focused on optimizing the molecular structure of the foam to achieve ultra-high compressive strength while maintaining creep resistance. Additionally, they introduced micro- and sub-micro-level innovations to ensure physical stability across a wide temperature range, from -80°C to -162°C. These breakthroughs led to the creation of the first domestically produced rigid insulating polyurethane foam tailored for LNG ships. This achievement not only marks a significant step toward technological independence in China’s maritime industry but also demonstrates the power of academic-industry collaboration. With this new material, Chinese shipbuilders can now compete more effectively on the global stage, reducing reliance on foreign suppliers and enhancing national energy security.

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