A dual-fuel-powered bulk carrier, the SG Aquamarine, with a capacity of 180,000 deadweight tons, built by China State Shipbuilding Corporation Limited (CSSC)’s Shanghai Waigaoqiao Shipbuilding Co., Ltd. and China Shipbuilding Trading Co., Ltd., has commenced operations.
This milestone not only signifies the successful completion of Shanghai Waigaoqiao Shipbuilding’s annual production targets but also sets a record by exceeding the planned output with the delivery of two additional vessels.
A dual-fuel-powered bulk carrier, the SG Aquamarine, with a capacity of 180,000 deadweight tons, has commenced operations. [Photo/sasac.gov.cn]
The vessel measures 292 meters in length, 45.0 meters in beam, and 24.9 meters in depth, with a design draft of 18.3 meters and a cruising speed of 15.25 knots. Classified by the Nippon Kaiji Kyokai (ClassNK), the vessel represents the eleventh generation of Capesize bulk carriers independently developed, designed, and constructed by Shanghai Waigaoqiao Shipbuilding.
This vessel marks the 292nd Capesize bulk carrier delivered by Shanghai Waigaoqiao Shipbuilding and is the last of its kind among current orders.
Since delivering China’s first domestically developed green Capesize bulk carrier (175,000 DWT) in June 2003, Shanghai Waigaoqiao Shipbuilding has consistently captured approximately 15 percent of the global market share for Capesize bulk carrier orders.
Over the year, the company has delivered 24 vessels and offshore engineering equipment, totaling 2.59 million DWT, achieving 109 percent of its annual production target. Highlights included the world’s first 2.3-million-barrel generic FPSO vessel, the 114,000 DWT Aframax tankers, and LNG dual-fuel-powered Capesize bulk carriers.
On the order front, the company has secured contracts for 35 new vessels, achieving 160 percent of its annual target. With a robust backlog that includes large cruise ships and ultra-large PCTCs, Shanghai Waigaoqiao Shipbuilding has significantly diversified its product portfolio, optimized its production structure, and ensured a full workload for its facilities.
Meanwhile, construction of the highly anticipated second domestically built large cruise ship, Adora Flora City, is in its final sprint. Construction is progressing steadily to achieve the milestone by mid-January 2025.
(Executive editor: Zhu Zeya)
