Shandong Port Group and Anhui Port & Shipping Group have signed a major contract to build ten 10,000-tonne-class new-energy bulk carriers for Shenzhen Weiqiao New Energy Shipping. The vessels, scheduled for delivery between 2026 and 2027, will support low-carbon logistics on the Yantai–Binzhou route and form a key part of Weiqiao’s wider “green capacity” programme aimed at reducing emissions across its bauxite and aluminium supply chain.
A Strategic Collaboration to Expand Green Maritime Capacity
The newbuild series marks Shandong Port Group’s first foray into new-energy bulk carrier construction. Four of the ten vessels will be built at Shandong Land-Sea Equipment Group’s offshore engineering facility in Rizhao, while the remaining six will be delivered by Anhui Port & Shipping Land-Sea Equipment at the revived Zongyang shipyard in Anhui province.
Both shipyards are undergoing significant development Rizhao’s Lanshan base is a RMB 1.15 billion high-end marine engineering facility set to become fully operational in June 2026, while the RMB 670 million Zongyang site is being rebuilt as a dedicated new-energy shipbuilding hub.
This collaboration demonstrates a coordinated provincial effort between Shandong and Anhui to expand China’s capacity for clean maritime transport solutions.
New-Energy Ship Design for Zero-Emission Nearshore Operations
The 10,000-tonne bulk carriers will feature a hybrid propulsion setup combining lithium battery modules with conventional fuel systems. Each vessel will house eight containerised battery power modules under the “Battery (Power-h)” configuration, enabling zero-emission operation within designated coastal zones.
Designed at 109.8 metres in length, 26.8 metres in beam, and with a 4.2-metre design draft, the ships are suited for short-sea and river–sea transport of commodities such as bauxite, iron ore, and coal.
Additional features include:
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AUT-0 unmanned engine-room notation for enhanced automation
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Battery container jettison system for emergency safety
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Ship–shore data integration platform for real-time performance monitoring
Together, these technologies support operational efficiency, environmental compliance, and improved safety for regional bulk logistics.
The construction of ten new-energy bulk carriers for Weiqiao’s green logistics programme underscores China’s growing commitment to sustainable maritime transport. By combining provincial industrial strengths and advanced hybrid propulsion technologies, Shandong Port Group and Anhui Port & Shipping Group are helping accelerate the shift toward cleaner short-sea shipping. Once operational, the new fleet will meaningfully reduce emissions along key commodity routes and contribute to the broader national agenda for greener supply chains and shipbuilding innovation.
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Source: PORT NEWS
