RMB16.8bn :COSCO ordered capable new castlemax newbuilds emerge 

The total contract value at RMB16.8bn deliveries are scheduled across 2028 and 2029 as the order marks COSCO’s first move into LNG 

China’s COSCO Shipping Bulk ordered a series of container-capable newcastlemax bulk carriers  Busy COSCO has also revealed a major containership ordering spree, lining up 18 newbuildings worth about $2.7bn.moving to blur the traditional lines between dry bulk and liner shipping, 

CSSC Qingdao Beihai Shipbuilding has been tasked with building three 210,000 dwt bulk carriers featuring methanol- and ammonia-ready designs and the ability to carry containers alongside bulk and general cargo. The vessels have been designed by the Shanghai Merchant Ship Design and Research Institute (SDARI) and will be classed by China Classification Society. At nearly 300 m in length and with a 50 m beam, the ships retain full newcastlemax dimensions while adding container intake to what has traditionally been a pure bulk carrier segment.

The global newcastlemax market

 It is a remarkable leap forward in design for the 210,000 dwt platform, long a flagship product for Beihai Shipbuilding, which has built a dominant position in the global newcastlemax market and continues to lead in orders for the vessel type Moreover that the yard recently secured further contracts from Seacon Shipping Group, reinforcing its grip on the segment according to its released 

Expand and modernise its newcastlemax fleet

It is noteworthy that COSCO, the deal is part of a broader push to expand and modernise its newcastlemax fleet. The group has also been linked as end operator to four 210,000-dwt newbuildings at Dalian Shipbuilding Industry Co, marking its second newcastlemax ordering wave of 2025. Earlier in the year, COSCO approved orders for ten similar units at COSCO Shipping Heavy Industry Zhoushan and CSSC Qingdao Beihai, with deliveries due by the end of 2028.

The world’s largest shipowner

COSCO, the world’s largest shipowner, has a history of blurring vessel segments.  Back in 2022, for instance, it started moving cars in a pulp carrier having developed a foldable car frame where vehicles can then be stacked into ships not traditionally associated with the movement of automobiles. COSCO has also confirmed a major containership ordering spree, lining up 18 newbuildings worth about $2.7bn as China’s state-run shipping group adds both scale and fuel optionality to its fleet.

.The total contract value at RMB16.8bn

At the same time , COSCO said it has ordered twelve 18,000 teu LNG dual-fuel containerships at CSSC’s Jiangnan Shipyard, alongside six 3,000 teu conventionally powered vessels at COSCO Zhoushan Shipyard. The twelve LNG-capable vessels are priced at just under RMB1.4bn apiece, or around $200.75m per vessel, putting the total contract value at RMB16.8bn. Deliveries are scheduled across 2028 and 2029. The order marks COSCO’s first move into LNG as an alternative marine fuel. Until now, the group has focused on methanol alongside conventional propulsion

COSCO’s Ocean Alliance 

On the other hand according to Alphaliner, the vessels are based on Jiangnan’s in-house 18,000 teu LNG design. The yard already has a dozen ships of the same design on order from COSCO’s Ocean Alliance partner CMA CGM, also due for delivery in 2028 and 2029. Jiangnan has a long track record with COSCO, having previously delivered 5,100 teu, 4,700 teu and 21,000 teu container ships to the group.Alongside the LNG order, COSCO has also signed contracts for six 3,000 teu container vessels at COSCO Zhoushan Shipyard. Each ship is priced at just under RMB330m, or about $47.3m, with deliveries expected from mid-2028 through the end of the year.

About COSCO SHIPPING Bulk 

COSCO SHIPPING Bulk is the world's leading subsidiary of China COSCO Shipping, specializing in global dry bulk shipping, operating a massive fleet of over 400 vessels carrying commodities like iron ore, coal, and grain, serving major ports worldwide with extensive dry bulk services, and representing a cornerstone of China's state-owned maritime giant

The Company is the largest and professional bulk shipping corporation in the world, with more than 400 various types of bulk carriers and nearly 40 million DWT, loading iron ore, coal, grain and all other bulk cargoes. Shipping routes cover both China coastal areas and world-wide major ports, and the shipping service networks spread all over the world.

The company has more than 1,700 management staffs and over 12,500 well-trained seafarers, who adhere to the service concept of “safety, integrity, quality and efficiency”. The company provides professional and high-quality dry bulk shipping services to all our customers.

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#COSCO SHIPPING Bulk #Ocean Alliance #CMA CGM #Dalian Shipbuilding #Alphaliner #Zhoushan Shipyar#CSSC Qingdao Beihai