On September 22, Qidong Xiangyu Shipbuilding & Offshore Engineering successfully launched its first 55,000 DWT deck transport vessel. This milestone marks the company’s inaugural vessel launch since its establishment and sets a new record for the heaviest self-weight vessel launched using airbag method.
With an overall length of 256 meters, a beam of 51 meters, and a draft of 13 meters, this vessel is a multi-purpose self-propelled heavy-lift deck carrier. It is primarily designed for transporting large integrated modules, large wind power equipment, large ship steel structures, and offshore platform modules.
The vessel’s deck space is flat and wide, capable of safely loading large cargoes of various shapes and sizes. Its design incorporates a number of advanced technologies such as overballast and PR-2 (redundant propulsion system). Once completed, it will become an important tool for China’s marine resource development and utilization of clean offshore energy.
Notably, construction of the vessel commenced prior to Qidong Xiangyu Shipbuilding & Offshore Engineering’s official resumption of operations. The company leveraged existing resources to advance the shipbuilding project efficiently while actively promoting the restart of production across its facilities.
Previous reports indicate that Qidong Xiangyu Shipbuilding & Offshore Engineering commenced operations on August 1st, occupying the site formerly held by Jiangsu Hongqiang Shipbuilding Heavy Industry.
In August 2024, Nantong Xiangyu Shipbuilding & Offshore Engineering (Nantong Xiangyu SOE) successfully acquired the core assets of Jiangsu Hongqiang Heavy Industry through a judicial auction for RMB 440 million. The acquired assets include all of Hongqiang Heavy Industry’s buildings totaling 56,352.42 square meters, one wharf, three 50,000-ton to 100,000-ton shipbuilding berths, usage rights to 682.3 meters of Changjiang shoreline, along with related equipment and patents.
Following the acquisition of Hongqiang Heavy Industry’s assets, Nantong Xiangyu SOE established Qidong Xiangyu Shipbuilding & Offshore Engineering. Currently, Nantong Xiangyu SOE holds nearly 20 vessels in its order book, with orders extending through 2028.
Qidong Xiangyu Shipbuilding & Offshore Engineering primarily focuses on constructing energy-efficient and environmentally friendly bulk carriers, offshore engineering vessels, and specialized ships. Upon full capacity utilization, the company expects to deliver 12 to 14 vessels annually, achieving an annual output value of RMB 3 to 4 billion and contributing over RMB 60 million in tax revenue.