On August 28, Shanghai Zhenhua Port Machinery (ZPMC) held a naming ceremony to christen the first and second 38,000 DWT multi-purpose heavy-lift vessels it built for Chipolbrok (Chinese-Polish Joint Stock Shipping Company).
Combining high cargo capacity, powerful lifting capabilities, great versatility, and low energy consumption, this vessel type is designed for the ocean transport of ultra-large equipment, heavy engineering materials, and break-bulk cargo; it also serves as a flagship product marking ZPMC’s entry into the multi-purpose heavy-lift vessel sector.
The vessel has an overall length of 182 meters, a beam of 30 meters, a design draft of 9.8 meters, and a service speed of 14.5 knots; it is classed by DNV. It features an open-deck design and two extra-long cargo holds—with a maximum hold length of 76.8 meters—complemented by adjustable movable tweendecks, ensuring high cargo versatility. The vessel is equipped with three 350-ton cranes independently developed by ZPMC; capable of tandem lifting up to 700 tons, the system enables efficient handling of heavy components.
This series of vessels features a green, energy-efficient design. By utilizing a “shaft generator plus battery pack” system—which provides continuous power via the shaft generator while employing the battery for flexible peak shaving and potential energy recovery—the vessels reduce fuel consumption and carbon emissions across all operating conditions. This improves their operational carbon intensity ratings and aligns with the global shipping industry’s trend toward green, low-carbon development.
This series comprises four vessels and represents a key outcome of the deepened strategic partnership between ZPMC and Chipolbrok. Upon delivery, these ships will operate primarily on major international routes for oversized cargo, providing robust equipment support for the transport of heavy goods—such as global wind power equipment, large-scale construction machinery, and specialized components—thereby contributing to the high-quality development of China’s ocean shipping industry.