In a significant display of engineering precision, an 821-tonne dome has been successfully lifted into place atop a new liquefied natural gas (LNG) storage tank in Hainan Province, located in the south of the Chinese mainland.
The operation is a critical milestone for the Hainan LNG Phase II expansion project. Moving away from traditional crane-based methods, engineers employed an innovative pneumatic lifting technique. By using carefully controlled air pressure, the massive structure was elevated 43 meters—a height comparable to a 15-story building—ensuring a level of precision and safety essential for such a heavy load.
This technical achievement is more than just a feat of physics; it carries substantial economic and strategic weight. Once completed, the expansion project will double the facility's peak-shaving capacity, adding an impressive 400 million cubic meters of storage. This increase ensures a more stable and resilient energy supply for the region, supporting both industrial growth and local energy security.
As the Chinese mainland continues to modernize its energy infrastructure, the success of the Hainan LNG project highlights the integration of advanced engineering solutions to meet the rising energy demands of a dynamic economy.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
