On November 10, Taizhou Kouan Shipbuilding – Taizhou Zhonghang Shipbuilding, formally signed a contract with Jiangsu Kaixin Shipping and its partners for the construction of four 63,000 DWT general cargo vessels.
The newly contracted 63,000 DWT general cargo vessels strike a balance between operational requirements and future environmental trends, incorporating multiple energy-saving systems including variable frequency drives for chilled seawater pumps, energy-efficient cargo tank systems, shaft generators, vortex reducing fins and pre-propeller energy-saving ducts.
This vessel type offers operational advantages including energy efficiency, environmental friendliness, strong cargo adaptability, and high economic viability. It complies with the latest environmental regulations of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) and meets operational requirements at major global ports. It represents a green, intelligent vessel that leads comprehensively in “quality, concept, technology, and functionality.”
It is understood that on May 9, 2023, Jiangsu Kaixin Shipping and its partners have placed an order with Zhonghang Shipbuilding for an 86,000 DWT bulk carrier. This vessel, the largest-tonnage bulk carrier for domestic river-sea combined transport, was delivered and entered service this March.
Two years later, the two parties have joined forces once again, evolving from a single product order to a batch order of four vessels. This marks a further deepening of their strategic partnership.
The 63,000 DWT general cargo vessel is a new ship type that Zhonghang Shipbuilding has prioritized in recent years. Previously, Hong Kong-based King Ship (HK) Limited placed two orders for a total of 12 new vessels with Zhonghang Shipbuilding, with the first vessel officially commencing construction on October 28. Including the four newly contracted vessels, Zhonghang Shipbuilding’s orders for this single ship type have now reached 16 units, gradually achieving significant economies of scale in batch production.