An executive at Fujian Highton Development Co., Ltd. announced on LinkedIn the arrival of the company’s first heavy-lift vessel, Xin Hai Tong 501. The post described the event as a historic milestone for the company’s fleet growth. However, the exact date and port of arrival were not specified.
According to AIS-based ship tracking data, Xin Hai Tong 501 is currently sailing in the East Mediterranean and is projected to call at Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, around October 3. This information has not been officially confirmed by the company.
The development comes during a period of rapid fleet expansion for Highton. The Chinese bulker owner recently acquired two 2011-built multipurpose general cargo vessels, Pacific Hero and Pacific Honour, from German owner Braren Roerd. The reported purchase price was $16 million per vessel, while market valuations placed them closer to $21 million each.
Earlier in 2025, Highton purchased four bulk carriers from ArcelorMittal Shipping for nearly $60 million, followed by three kamsarmaxes from CDB Financial Leasing. The company also took delivery of the 2012-built supramax Epic Trader, now operating as Xin Hai Tong 65.
Founded in 2009, Highton began with a focus on supramax bulkers before expanding into capesize tonnage. By the end of 2024, the Shanghai-listed company controlled a fleet of more than 60 bulkers, including 46 wholly owned, as well as three tankers.
The vessel Xin Hai Tong 501, reported to have previously sailed as Emma under SAL Heavy Lift, highlights the company’s strategic entry into the heavylift and multipurpose project cargo sector, reinforcing its fleet diversification efforts.
