ZPMC has completed hull integration of the fourth 38,000-tonne multi-purpose heavy-lift vessel being built for Chipolbrok, progressing construction of a four-ship series designed for heavy and oversized cargo transport.
The vessel is fitted with three 350-tonne cranes designed and manufactured by ZPMC. The cranes provide a combined lifting capacity of up to 700 tonnes, allowing large and complex cargo units to be handled using tandem lifting operations.
Its cargo arrangement includes a fully open deck, two extra-long cargo holds and adjustable tween decks. The configuration provides different stowage options for oversized cargo and complete equipment packages.
The vessel also incorporates energy-efficiency and electrical systems specified for the 38,000-tonne series. ZPMC said in a 25 May 2026 release that each ship is equipped with ducted propellers and rudder bulbs designed to improve fuel efficiency by up to 4% at cruising speed. A 1,000 kW battery system can supply electric power while the vessel is in port or operating at low speeds, while a high-voltage shore power connection allows electricity to be supplied from port facilities.
The series measures 182 m in overall length, 30 m in beam and 17 m in depth, with a service speed of 14.5 knots. The vessels are classed by DNV. The largest of the two cargo holds measures 76.8 m.
ZPMC launched the first vessel in the four-ship series at its Qidong Marine Engineering facility on 20 May 2026. At the time, the shipbuilder said the vessels were intended to transport cargo including wind turbine components, large construction machinery and specialised industrial equipment.
Chipolbrok‘s official history records that the company initially ordered two 38,000 DWT multi-purpose ships in August 2024, with options for two additional vessels and commissioning scheduled for 2026. ZPMC‘s May 2026 release subsequently described the programme as a four-vessel series for Chipolbrok.
