China Completes World’s Largest 80,000-DWT Bulk Carrier-to-Containership Conversion

China has completed what the China Classification Society (CCS) says is the world’s largest bulk carrier-to-containership conversion, turning an 80,000-tonne-class Kamsarmax bulker into a 3,600-TEU container ship.

The vessel, Guangqi Delta, completed a six-month conversion programme at Zhoushan Xinya Ship Repair Co Ltd in Zhejiang province on June 10, according to CCS.

The society described it as the first major conversion of its kind in the world and the largest bulk carrier-to-containership conversion completed so far.

The project involved extensive changes to the vessel. CCS said the work included major hull modifications, a complete redesign of the cargo hold layout, installation of a new container lashing system, and upgrades to supporting ship systems needed for container operations.

Originally built in 2012 as a Kamsarmax bulk carrier with seven cargo holds, the vessel was transformed into a containership capable of carrying around 3,600 twenty-foot equivalent units (TEU).

Per reports, the conversion created 13 container cargo holds and included modifications to meet operational requirements for container transport.

CCS oversaw the project through its Plan Approval Centre and Zhejiang branch. The Plan Approval Centre reviewed the vessel’s design drawings, while surveyors from the Zhejiang branch remained at the shipyard throughout the project.

The survey team was involved from the planning stage through construction, carrying out design reviews, raw material inspections, welding quality checks, construction supervision, mooring trials and sea trials before the vessel entered service.

According to CCS, the conversion required large-scale structural work, precise alignment of hull sections and the integration of multiple onboard systems. The vessel also had to meet new requirements that applied because of the extensive modifications.

CCS said the project improved the ship’s cargo-carrying capability and overall performance while providing valuable experience for future large-scale vessel conversion projects.

Zhoushan Xinya Ship Repair Co Ltd, which carried out the work, is a ship repair and conversion yard based in Zhoushan, one of China’s major shipbuilding and repair centres.

Shipping companies continue to examine vessel conversions as a way to add container capacity. While smaller bulk carrier conversions have been completed before, CCS said the Guangqi Delta is the largest bulk carrier-to-containership conversion completed to date.

References: Safety4Sea, PortNews