Shanghai Zhenhua Heavy Industries (ZPMC) has launched the first of four 38,000-ton multi-purpose heavy-lift vessels at its Qidong Marine Engineering facility.

The ship was built for Chinese-Polish joint venture shipping company Chipolbrok. The company is taking delivery of the four vessels for its fleet serving global heavy-lift and oversized cargo routes. The vessels are intended to transport oversized and heavy cargo, including wind turbine components, large construction machinery and specialized industrial equipment.

Each ship is equipped with a 1,000 kW battery system that allows the vessel to run on electric power while in port or at low speeds. A high-voltage shore power connection enables the vessel to draw electricity from port facilities while docked. The propulsion system includes ducted propellers and rudder bulbs that improve fuel efficiency by up to 4% at cruising speed.  

The vessel measures 597 feet (182 m) in length, 98 feet (30 m) in beam and 56 feet (17 m) in depth. It has a design draft of 32 feet (9.8 m) and a service speed of 14.5 knots.  Each ship is equipped with three 350-ton cranes designed and manufactured by ZPMC, with a combined lifting capacity of 700 tons.

Each ship also features a full-length open cargo deck and two extra-long cargo holds, the largest measuring 252 feet (76.8 m), providing flexible cargo capacity for a range of heavy-lift transportation requirements.

“ZPMC will continue expanding its activities in specialized vessels and offshore engineering equipment while further developing its engineering and manufacturing capabilities and broadening its international shipping partnerships,” the company stated.

Source: ZPMC