WINGD ENGINES FOR 13-STRONG 16,000 TEU SERIES

Seven of the newbuilding containerships will be built by Dalian Shipbuilding Industry Company (DSIC) while the six remaining vessels will be built by Guangzhou Shipyard International (GSI). The value of the contract was assessed at RMB10 billion (US$1.52bn), making it the largest individual order in CSSC’s history.

Local media reports indicate that the series will be delivered in 2023 and 2024. The 366 metre long, 51m beam vessels were designed by CSSC 708 Institute. The vessels will be equipped with exhaust gas cleaning systems to meet environmental requirements while operating on compliant fuel. The vessels will be dual-fuel ready, permitting subsequent conversion for operation on LNG.

A WinGD representative declined to confirm the order. However, Volkmar Galke, Global Sales Director, WinGD, commented: “2021 has seen considerable activity already, especially in the container vessel segment. We are very encouraged by this strong signal from the market and hope that it is an indication of a strengthening economy once again. WinGD has won a number of significant contracts in Q1, evidence of confidence in our efficiency, sustainability and future fuel flexibility. Collaboration with our fellow CSSC companies allows us to further accelerate the transition towards green technology and X-fuel testing and validation.”

The new order follows a number of orders for ultra large container vessels announced in recent months. The volume of containership newbuilding orders has helped to buoy the overall market. Clarkson Research Service reported that new orders placed in Q1 2021 reached 10.2 million compensated gross tons (CGT), compared with 5.5 million CGT in 2020 as a whole.