On November 10, Nantong CIMC Sinopacific Offshore & Engineering Co., Ltd. (hereinafter "CIMC SOE") was adorned with colorful flags and filled with guests, creating an atmosphere of celebration and solemnity for the naming ceremony of two 40,000-cubic-meter LPG/ammonia carriers (Hull Nos.: S1083, S1084). The ceremony gathered distinguished attendees, including godmothers Lisbeth Ismar-Eik for S1083 and Ann Corluy-Coppens for S1084; Nicolas Saverys, Executive Chairman of shipowner Exmar; Ariane Castelain-Saverys, Deputy COO; Morten Pilnov, Shipping President; Frederik Van Nuffel, CTO; Yang Zhongjian, Secretary of the Qidong Municipal Party Committee; Qin Guangrong, Standing Committee Member of the Qidong Municipal Party Committee and Executive Vice Mayor; Wang Guzheng, Vice President of Lloyd's Register Greater China; Gao Wenbao, Vice President of CIMC ENRIC and General Manager of CIMC SOE; Wang Jianding, Executive Deputy General Manager of CIMC SOE; Zhou Lubing, Deputy General Manager; Shang Jinyan and Wei Guangsheng, Assistant General Managers, along with other leaders and guests, to witness this significant moment highlighting industry anticipation and corporate capability.
Gao Wenbao, Vice President of CIMC ENRIC and General Manager of CIMC SOE, delivered the welcome address, extending a warm welcome and heartfelt gratitude to all guests. He emphasized that the two newly named vessels represent not only a key technological breakthrough in high-end clean energy transport equipment but also the fruitful collaboration with Exmar. From customized requirements to technical discussions, both parties adhered to a win-win cooperation principle, jointly ensuring the project's high-quality implementation. He also acknowledged the optimal business environment and support provided by the Qidong Municipal Party Committee and Government, which conveyed a warm and robust "Qidong warmth." Additionally, he credited the professional certification from LR and the guidance from maritime, customs, border inspection, and other relevant departments for safeguarding the project's smooth progress.
Nicolas Saverys, Executive Chairman of Exmar, then took the stage to express sincere gratitude to the leaders and guests, paying tribute to the two godmothers for their blessings and thanking the project teams for their dedicated efforts. He highly commended CIMC SOE's construction capabilities and efficient project execution, noting that the company's professional and high-performance approach throughout the project has strengthened the partnership and marked a new phase in their collaboration, with high expectations for future joint successes.
Yang Zhongjian, Secretary of the Qidong Municipal Party Committee, congratulated Exmar and CIMC SOE on behalf of the Qidong Municipal Party Committee and Government. He highlighted that the offshore engineering and shipbuilding industry is a landmark sector in Qidong and a standout representative of its new quality productive forces, with over 20 globally renowned offshore enterprises now clustered in related parks. He recognized CIMC SOE as one of the most influential players in the global small and medium-sized liquefied gas carrier market, and this partnership with Exmar not only demonstrates its exceptional strength but also injects powerful momentum into Qidong's offshore industry as it advances innovatively. The Qidong Municipal Party Committee and Government pledged to maintain "Qidong speed" in providing services, creating a superior development environment and broader platform for enterprises.
The lion eye-dotting ceremony elevated the atmosphere to a climax. Nicolas Saverys, Ariane Casteluy-Coppens, Gao Wenbao, and Wang Jianding jointly dipped golden brushes to dot the lions' eyes, symbolizing wishes for the new vessels' safe voyages. Accompanied by vigorous drumbeats, a lively lion dance performance infused the ceremony with auspicious energy.
The proceedings then moved to the most solemn segment—the naming. As attendees looked on, godmothers Lisbeth Ismar-Eik and Ann Corluy-Coppens stepped forward to confer the official names MERIBEL and MENUIRES upon the vessels. They cut ropes with golden scissors, and the crisp sound of ceremonial champagne bottles crashing against the hulls, accompanied by a colorful smoke wall and cannon salutes, imbued the ships with life and blessings.
The successful naming of S1083 and S1084 not only marks a breakthrough for CIMC SOE in the construction of medium-sized LPG/ammonia carriers but also signifies a more solid step forward in the company's journey in high-end shipbuilding. As a dedicated participant and driver in the industry, CIMC SOE consistently leverages technological innovation as its engine and quality reputation as its foundation. This in-depth collaboration with Exmar further validates the company's competitiveness in the global shipbuilding market.
Looking ahead, CIMC SOE will continue to base itself on the banks of the Yangtze River while aiming for the global market. It will persistently tackle technical challenges, optimize service systems, and contribute to the global clean energy transport sector with superior vessel products. Through concrete actions, the company will exemplify the strength and responsibility of "Made in China," writing more brilliant chapters in the journey of shipbuilding.
