China Completes Largest Project for Converting Bulk Carrier to Container Ship

The China Classification Society announced the completion of a complex six-month conversion project, which has become the world's largest transformation of a bulk carrier into a container ship. This is the first major conversion project in which an 80,000 dwt Kamsarmax bulk carrier was transformed into a container vessel.

The project began with a bulk carrier built in 2012, named Chang Xin 66. The vessel was a standard Kuangchi Delta bulk carrier based on the design by the Finnish company Deltamarin. The design concept of this class maximized cargo capabilities while optimizing the hull design for improved operational efficiency.

The conversion was conducted under the supervision of the China Classification Society. Its team was involved from the planning and scheme verification stages and was present at the shipyard during the construction process to provide proactive support. They describe the completed conversion as a breakthrough project.

The work was carried out by Zhoushan Xinya Shipbuilding & Repair Co. The China Classification Society reports that the project had enormous scale and high technical barriers.

The complex construction process included extensive structural modifications to the hull and a complete redesign of the cargo hold layout. It also required the design and installation of a container securing system. Throughout the project, the ship's systems were optimized and adapted for its new role.

The completed vessel has been renamed Guang Qi De Er Ta. It was previously reported that its displacement is 43,746 gross tons. Its capacity is now 3,600 TEU. The project was completed on June 10.

Shipping companies have considered converting bulk carriers or tankers into container ships at various times. During the pandemic, several general cargo vessels were quickly adapted for container transport.

Now, as demand for container ships reaches record levels and capacity is limited, large-scale and costly projects are becoming relevant again. Recently, another Chinese company reported converting smaller Handymax bulk carriers into container ships with a capacity of 2,500 TEU.

This is a relatively quick way to meet demand while the use of container ships remains high.