Wedoany.com Report-Oct. 20, Qingdao Beihai Shipbuilding Heavy Industry (BSIC), a subsidiary of China State Shipbuilding Corporation (CSSC), has reached new milestones in the construction of four advanced bulk carriers for Belgium-based CMB.TECH, the companies announced on October 16.

BSIC floated out two 210,000 dwt ammonia-fueled bulkers (Hulls no. 45 and 54) from the dry dock and simultaneously held a keel laying ceremony for two 210,000 dwt ammonia-ready bulkers (Hulls no. 56 and 63). The float-out marks a critical stage in shipbuilding, demonstrating that these vessels are prepared for testing of key systems.

For the ammonia-powered pair, four main engines and one auxiliary boiler have been installed, connected, and prepared for testing. Prior to the float-out, inspections confirmed that all essential onboard systems were fully integrated and operational. CSSC noted that these vessels, fueled by ammonia, are expected to significantly reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and achieve a 75% or greater cut in nitrogen oxides (NOx), highlighting their environmentally friendly design.

The keel-laying ceremony for the ammonia-ready bulkers, conducted at Dock No. 2, signals that spaces have been reserved for future retrofitting to use ammonia fuel. CSSC emphasized that these ships are “future-proof” and designed to accommodate emerging fuel technologies while maintaining high operational efficiency.

These construction milestones reflect years of collaboration between Beihai Shipbuilding and CMB.TECH. Since summer 2021, the companies have signed contracts for over 30 vessels, including at least five very large crude carriers (VLCCs) and up to 28 bulk carriers of 210,000 tons.

Earlier this year, in April 2025, BSIC delivered a 300-meter-long ammonia-ready bulker, the seventh in the series, marking another important step in the partnership. Following that, in May, BSIC held a christening ceremony for two 210,000 dwt bulkers, Mineral Cesko and Mineral Polska, which were classed by the UK-based classification society Lloyd’s Register (LR).

CSSC underlined that the latest float-outs and keel layings showcase Beihai Shipbuilding’s high-end shipbuilding capabilities and ongoing efforts to develop vessels with low environmental impact. With ammonia-fueled propulsion and ammonia-ready designs, these bulk carriers exemplify a transition toward greener maritime shipping, aligning with global trends in decarbonizing ocean transport.

The ongoing program highlights Beihai Shipbuilding’s role as a leading shipbuilder in China and CMB.TECH’s commitment to sustainable shipping solutions, marking another step forward in large-scale cooperation between shipbuilding and shipping industries in Asia and Europe.