Shanghai Waigaoqiao Shipbuilding delivers 600th vessel

Shanghai Waigaoqiao Shipbuilding Co Ltd, a subsidiary of the China State Shipbuilding Corporation, marked a new milestone on Friday after delivering its first pure car and truck carrier with a capacity of 9,000 parking spaces. This delivery brings the total number of ships and offshore platforms completed by the shipyard to 600, with a total deadweight tonnage of 102.02 million, according to the Shanghai-based shipyard.

Since delivering its first vessel in 2003, the company has maintained an average annual delivery rate of 27 vessels and 4.64 million deadweight tons (DWT), continually setting new records in the shipbuilding industry.

Named Grande Tianjin, the newly delivered pure car and truck carrier (PCTC) is the first of its series, built for Italian logistics company Grimaldi Group. Built in just 179 days from dock to delivery, it set a new construction record for ships of its class.

"We experienced, during the construction of this vessel, a high level of quality. Everything was on schedule from day one, and we are very satisfied with the result. We are also very happy today to celebrate together with the shipyard the 600th vessel," said Luigi Pacella Grimaldi, member of Grimaldi Family, who is also director of Intercontinental Automotive Line with Grimaldi Group.

According to him, although the company only began serving the Chinese market a few years ago, China has already become one of its largest export markets for electric vehicles. Moreover, China was the leading country for vessel purchases by Grimaldi Group last year.

Capable of carrying a wide range of vehicles, including electric and conventional cars, the vessel is distinguished by its high safety standards and environmentally friendly design, according to Li Zhizhong, a director with Waigaoqiao Shipbuilding.

"The ship is equipped with a new main engine model that consumes significantly less energy, which is also 'ammonia-ready', enabling future technological modifications to use green energy," said Li.

The vessel is scheduled to embark on its inaugural voyage on Aug 19, transporting the one-millionth electric vehicle produced by Chinese NEV manufacturer Leapmotor to Europe.

According to Waigaoqiao Shipbuilding, this shipment stands as a model of collaboration between China's new energy vehicle and shipping industries, showcasing the synergy between domestically built vessels and China's NEV manufacturing, as well as the deep integration of global supply chain.