(Yicai Global) Sept. 25 -- The world's first 23,000-tank liquefied natural gas-powered container ship launched in Shanghai today, state broadcaster CCTV reported.

The vessel, made by China State Shipbuilding unit Hudong-Zhonghua Shipbuilding (Group), is the world's first ultra-large container ship with liquefied natural gas as its main power source and it consequently boasts optimal environmental protection performance.

The craft, whose load capacity is nearly 220,000 tons, will be delivered in April.

Liquefied natural gas is cooled into liquid form for ease and safety of non-pressurized storage or transport. It occupies about 1/600th the normal volume of the gas. It is colorless, non-toxic, odorless and non-corrosive.

Editor: Ben Armour