On November 25, Chinese shipbuilder Xinneng Shipbuilding and Pendulum Transport & Fisheries Limited of Zambia officially signed a contract to build a 2,000 DWT bulk carrier.
At the signing ceremony, Zhang Qiang, Chairman of Xinneng Shipbuilding, and Bertha Chileshe, Director of Investment and Business in the Cabinet Office of Zambia, signed the order contract on behalf of both parties respectively.
The bulk carrier contracted in this agreement measures 70.08 meters in overall length, 15 meters in beam, and has a design speed of 10 knots. Upon delivery and commissioning, the vessel will significantly enhance inland waterway logistics efficiency in Zambia, injecting new momentum into regional economic development.
The vessel will be constructed using Xinneng Shipbuilding’s proprietary “modular construction + off-site final assembly” approach: ship blocks will be prefabricated at Xinneng Shipbuilding before being transported via a combined bulk cargo and container shipment to Mpulungu, Zambia, for final assembly. This approach not only effectively reduces construction costs and transportation risks but also minimizes potential saltwater corrosion and physical damage during long-distance sea transport. It pioneers a replicable and scalable innovative pathway for exporting large Chinese inland waterway vessels.
To ensure the long-term stable operation of its vessels in the region, Xinneng Shipbuilding plans to establish overseas offices, build a localized service network, and dispatch a professional technical team to provide ongoing support. Furthermore, Xinneng Shipbuilding will train at least 20 shipbuilding technicians in Zambia, promoting the deep integration of Chinese shipbuilding technology with local talent development.
Based on the project schedule, the vessel is expected to be delivered in December 2026. Xinneng Shipbuilding is advancing the high-quality development of global shipping with “Chinese technology” and “Chinese standards”.