COSCO Shipping Specialised Carriers will invest up to RMB2.624 billion ($387.8 million) in eight 60,000 dwt multipurpose heavylift vessels at CSSC Chengxi Shipyard.
The vessels are scheduled for delivery between April 2029 and June 2030. The order will be placed through wholly owned COSCO Shipping (Hong Kong) Investment and Development or affiliated companies.
The newbuildings will add capacity for the transport of offshore wind equipment and Chinese-built industrial equipment. COSCO Shipping Specialised Carriers expects the vessels to support its wind turbine and project cargo operations.
The investment follows a separate order at CSSC Chengxi Shipyard for four 40,000 dwt multipurpose heavylift vessels valued at about $213 million. Those ships are due for delivery from June 2028 to February 2029.
COSCO Shipping Specialised Carriers has also signed a $310 million leasing agreement for six 60,000 dwt heavylift vessels from the same shipyard. The company will bareboat charter the vessels from Bank of Communications Financial Leasing for about 16 years.
The company operates more than 150 vessels, including over 60 multipurpose and heavylift units.