On August 23, 2024, Hengli Heavy Industry Group announced the signing of a strategic cooperation framework agreement with Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC) in Geneva, Switzerland.
This landmark partnership was attended by Gianluigi Aponte, Founder and Chairman of MSC, Chen Jianhua, Chairman and President of Hengli Group, and Chen Hanlun, Vice President of Hengli Group.
The collaboration will cover a wide range of areas, including: new shipbuilding, engine manufacturing, ship repair, and vessel retrofitting.
This partnership marks a significant step for both companies as they expand their operations and influence in the global maritime industry.
MSC is currently the world's largest container shipping company, operating 839 vessels with a capacity of 5.979 million TEUs.
In recent months, there has been a resurgence in container shipbuilding, and MSC has made several notable announcements:
On August 11, MSC signed an order with Zhoushan Changhong International Shipbuilding for 12 LNG dual-fuel container ships with a capacity of 19,000 TEU. This follows previous orders of 10 ships with capacities of 11,500 and 10,300 TEU, also utilizing LNG dual-fuel technology.
MSC has also placed an order for 12 vessels of 21,000 TEU with Jiangsu New Hantong Shipyard, featuring LNG dual-fuel designs.
Reports suggest MSC has signed a deal with Shanghai Waigaoqiao Shipbuilding for six more 19,000 TEU LNG dual-fuel container ships.
Further market rumors indicate that MSC is exploring additional orders for a series of 11,000-12,000 TEU container ships, potentially involving shipyards such as Jiangsu Rongsheng and Penglai Zhongbai Jinglu Shipyard.
On August 15, Hengli Heavy Industry launched the second phase of its industrial park project on Changxing Island, Dalian. This phase will focus on building high-value-added green vessels and high-end offshore engineering equipment, including ultra-large oil tankers, LNG carriers, container ships, FPSOs, offshore wind power platforms, and drilling platforms. Once completed, the park will become a world-class modern, intelligent, and green shipbuilding and offshore equipment manufacturing base.
Upon the full completion of phases one and two, Hengli Heavy Industry expects an annual steel processing capacity of 2.3 million tons, production of 180 engines, and coverage of LNG, LPG, methanol, and ammonia dual-fuel engines.
This strategic partnership and the expansion of Hengli Heavy Industry signal a new era of growth and innovation in the global maritime industry.
by Xinde Marine News Chen Yang
The opinions expressed herein are the author's and not necessarily those of The Xinde Marine News.
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