On August 1, Wuhu Shipyard officially signed a multi-vessel 45,000 DWT general cargo ship project with Polish shipowner Polska Żegluga Morska (PZM).
PZM is the largest state-owned dry bulk shipowner in Europe and a key operator in the international Handymax bulk shipping industry. Its decision to collaborate with Wuhu Shipyard reflects high recognition of the century-old shipyard’s comprehensive capabilities. Both parties will take this contract as an opportunity to work closely together, ensuring the smooth progress of the project.
This series of vessels adopts the BLUETECH 45 design, with a length of 190 meters, a beam of 31.84 meters, and a depth of 16 meters. Featuring a modern streamlined hull design, it reduces water resistance across all speed ranges. Combined with BlueFin propulsion enhancement technology, it significantly improves propulsion efficiency. Equipped with high-efficiency propellers allowing a 6% light load margin, the output can be dynamically adjusted based on actual cargo load, achieving leading fuel economy and cargo capacity in its class. These vessels will set a benchmark in the Handymax bulk carrier market.
It is reported that PZM was established in 1951 and has over 70 years of operating history in the international shipping market. Over the years, PZM has established cooperative relationships with major global cargo suppliers. The company also continues to deepen its presence in the U.S. Great Lakes market, which is currently one of its strategic focus areas. According to its official website, PZM’s fleet currently operates 50 vessels with a total capacity exceeding 2 million DWT.
This latest order marks PZM’s first time placing shipbuilding orders with Wuhu Shipyard. Wuhu Shipyard traces its origins to Fujiheng Machinery Factory, founded in 1900, with a 123-year history. In 2007, Chery acquired Wuhu Shipyard, restructuring it into Wuhu Xinlian Shipbuilding Co., Ltd., and relocated it to the new Sanshan facility in 2010. Now renamed Wuhu Shipyard Co., Ltd., it is a top-tier modern shipbuilding enterprise in China.
In recent years, Wuhu Shipyard has shown strong growth momentum, with its commercial ship segment covering five mature sectors: liquid cargo ships, offshore vessels, bulk carriers, special-purpose ships, and multi-purpose vessels. Notably, its liquid cargo ships have been listed among the world’s top ten vessels, earning high recognition in domestic and international markets. The company operates Wuhu Shipyard headquarters, Weihai Shipbuilding Base, Anhui Haizhi Equipment Research Institute, Shanghai Haizhi Zhiyuan Technology Co., Ltd., Wuhu Fujiheng Machinery Company, Yingxing Financial Leasing (Anhui) Co., Ltd., and Sandianshui New Energy Technology Co., Ltd.
Excluding the latest order, Clarksons data shows that Wuhu Shipyard currently holds an orderbook of 105 vessels totaling 3.41 million DWT, including 71 liquid cargo ships, 13 multi-purpose vessels, 10 bulk carriers, 5 offshore vessels, 3 container ships, and 3 other vessels, with deliveries scheduled through 2029.
