Zhoushan Xinya Shipyard in China recently completed the first large-scale conversion of a bulk carrier into a fully cellular container ship, according to Alphaliner.
Specifically, the shipyard “redelivered the former Kamsarmax-type bulk carrier, Guang Qi De Er Ta, after a profound metamorphosis that transformed this vessel built in 2012 into a 3,607 TEU container ship,” the consultancy detailed.
“The vessel’s scantling draft was reduced from approximately 14.6 meters, with a deadweight of around 82,000 tonnes, to just 12.5 meters, with a deadweight of around 61,900 tonnes,” it added.
At the same time, the wheelhouse was raised by two decks, allowing “the vessel to now carry up to six tiers of containers on the hatches without obstructing forward visibility,” Alphaliner specified.
The vessel has been equipped with electrical generation power to supply about 200 reefer containers, “a rather low figure for its size, but probably sufficient for some regional and domestic trade routes,” the entity highlighted.
“Otherwise, the propulsion plant has not undergone modifications, so the vessel is expected to achieve a speed intermediate between the typical speeds of a fully loaded ‘Kamsarmax’ bulk carrier (approx. 14.0 knots) and in ballast (approx. 15.0 knots),” it added.
As for its dimensions, the vessel maintains the standard footprint of a Kamsarmax, with 229 meters in length overall and 32.26 meters in beam (which now equates to 13 rows of containers wide).
The current Guang Qi De Er Ta was built by Fujian Crown Ocean Shipbuilding Industry Company, a Chinese shipyard that historically specialized in dry bulk carriers and offshore supply vessels, but has since ceased operations.
The ship was delivered in June 2012 under the name Guang Hai 228 and at the end of 2017 was sold and renamed Chang Xin 66.
Subsequently, the vessel was acquired by Shenzhen Qianhai Shipping (also known as Shenzhen Qianhai Radiant Shipping) in 2026.
“Apparently, its current owners bought the vessel with the prior intention of converting it to then offer this 3,600 TEU container ship on the charter market,” Alphaliner specified.
“For the moment, Alphaliner does not know which shipping company has chartered the vessel, but given that its entry into service is imminent, it is likely that the operator of the vessel will be identified very soon,” it concluded.
