Hudong-Zhonghua Shipbuilding (Group) Co., Ltd. named two 174,000 m³ LNG carriers for Malaysia's PETRONAS on 2 Sep 2026, completing a four-vessel newbuild program ordered in April 2022. The ships, PUTERI KELANTAN and PUTERI NEGERI SEMBILAN, were named simultaneously at the shipbuilder's new Shanghai yard. Both vessels are fifth-generation "Changheng" series LNG carriers featuring hydrodynamic optimization technologies for efficient, flexible operation. They are fitted with customized noise-reduction systems to meet strict requirements at Toyama Shinko Terminal in Japan, supporting PETRONAS' long-term LNG supply to Hokuriku Electric Industry Co., Ltd. A key achievement is the full-series use of domestically developed ultra-low-temperature valves for the LNG cargo containment system, independently developed by Hudong-Zhonghua and validated with zero defects, marking progress toward reducing China's reliance on overseas LNG-carrier equipment. The project extends a partnership between Hudong-Zhonghua and PETRONAS dating to January 2020, which previously delivered three 79,900 m³ "Legend" series carriers now transporting over 2.2 million tonnes of LNG annually from Bintulu to Shanghai. The first two of the current four vessels, PUTERI JOHOR and PUTERI KEDAH, were named in April 2026, five months ahead of schedule, and will be deployed on Malaysia–China routes. In 2026, Hudong-Zhonghua also signed contracts with MISC Berhad, PETRONAS' shipping arm, for five firm plus five optional 174,000 m³ LNG carriers and one 18,700 m³ carrier, to be chartered long-term by PETRONAS for global LNG transportation.