Chipolbrok has begun construction of TK2601, the first vessel in a six-ship newbuilding programme for 60,800-dwt multipurpose heavy-lift vessels.
The project reached its first construction milestone on 28 September 2026, when steel cutting was carried out at Taizhou Kouan Shipbuilding. Representatives from Chipolbrok, Taizhou Kouan Shipbuilding and DNV attended the event.
The six new vessels are being built under two contracts. Taizhou Sanfu Shipbuilding received an order for four vessels in December 2025, while Taizhou Kouan Shipbuilding was contracted for a further two in January 2026.
The design positions the bridge and accommodation block at the forward end of the vessel, leaving a larger uninterrupted area available for cargo on deck. Compared with Chipolbrok’s existing 62,000-dwt design, the new arrangement adds about 360 m² of deck storage space.
Each vessel will have an overall length of 199.90 m and a breadth of 32.26 m. Cargo lifting will be handled by three 200-tonne cranes, with two cranes able to work together for lifts of up to 400 tonnes.
The second cargo hold can be operated without its hatch covers, providing additional flexibility for cargo that extends above the normal height of the hold.
Under the current construction schedule, work on all six vessels is due to be underway by the end of May 2027. The first deliveries are planned from September 2027.
