On July 11, the CSPC TAURUS (CX9802), an 85,000-ton new-generation multipurpose vessel built by CSSC Chengxi Shipyard Co., Ltd. for CITIC Financial Leasing and COSCO SHIPPING Specialized Carriers, was named and delivered at the company’s Yangzhou facility—173 days ahead of the contractual deadline. This vessel type is currently the world’s largest new-generation multipurpose ship.
The naming and delivery ceremony was attended by distinguished guests including Bi Hui, Godmother and Vice President of Pulp Sales for UPM Pulp Asia Pacific; Zhu Lang, Vice President and Chief Risk Officer of CITIC Financial Leasing; Li Jichun, Chief Accountant of COSCO SHIPPING Specialized Carriers; Chai Quanshun, Party Branch Secretary of Tianjin Zhongsan Ship Management; Xu Haifeng, Deputy Director of China Classification Society Zhenjiang Office; Wang Fei, Deputy General Manager of China Classification Society Industry Co., Ltd. Shenzhen Branch; Rong Yao, General Manager of Ship and Ocean Business Division III at China Shipbuilding Trading Co., Ltd.; Zhang Yan, Executive Director, Party Branch Secretary, and General Manager of COSCO SHIPPING Ship Trading (Beijing); Ren Qiang, Chief Engineer of CSSC Chengxi; Luo Fuxiang, General Manager Assistant of CSSC Chengxi and General Manager of Yangzhou Company, along with other leaders and guests. Bi Hui, Godmother and Vice President of Pulp Sales for UPM Pulp Asia Pacific, officially named the 84,500-ton bulk carrier “CSPC TAURUS.”
The CSPC TAURUS measures 225.0 meters in length, 36 meters in width, with a structural draft of 14.5 meters. It has a design speed of 15.5 knots and a range of 25,000 nautical miles, making it an energy-efficient and environmentally friendly green and intelligent vessel. The ship features box-shaped cargo holds equipped with rotary dehumidifiers to ensure the quality and safety of pulp cargo. Beyond meeting pulp transportation requirements, the vessel is also suitable for carrying high-speed rail trains, wind power equipment, new energy vehicles, large machinery, and extra-long, heavy steel pipe piles. To enhance the safety of new energy vehicle transport, the series includes a “one-to-one” temperature monitoring and early warning system.
As the second sister ship in the 84,500-ton series, the CSPC TAURUS benefited from the collaborative efforts of the shipowner, ship inspector, and shipyard, incorporating lessons from the construction of the first vessel. Focusing on the “five major completeness” principles and strict execution of “sub-nodes” and “key projects,” the team achieved the first-ever commercial delivery of a fully assembled superstructure. By advancing professional management, standardized construction, and refined project execution, the team significantly improved efficiency—completing the generator engine test in 25 days and the main engine test 10 days before sea trials, setting a new record for the series’ construction timeline. Ultimately, this “maritime giant” transitioned from blueprint to reality, delivering 173 days ahead of schedule.
After delivery, the CSPC TAURUS will embark on its maiden voyage from a Chinese port to Saudi Arabia, Djibouti, and other destinations.
COSCO SHIPPING Specialized Carriers currently owns and operates over 180 vessels of various types, with its specialized fleet ranking among the world’s largest and most capable. In recent years, the company has added more than 60 multipurpose vessels, including 62,000-ton, 68,000-ton, 72,000-ton, 77,000-ton, and 85,000-ton models, continuously expanding its fleet capacity and operational capabilities.
Looking ahead, COSCO SHIPPING Specialized Carriers will continue to uphold its “specialized” development strategy, deepen its expertise in niche cargo markets, and strive toward the goal of “transporting everything we build, and transporting it optimally,” providing global clients with professional, efficient, and high-quality end-to-end logistics services.
