China Railway Construction Bridge Engineering Bureau Group Enters Shipbuilding with First 40,400 DWT Bulk Carrier
On September 9, Jingjiang Heavy Industry Co., Ltd., a subsidiary of China Railway Construction Bridge Engineering Bureau Group, embarked on the construction of a 40,400 deadweight tonnage (DWT) bulk carrier. This significant milestone marks Jingjiang Heavy Industry’s official foray into the shipbuilding sector, expanding its business scope from “bridge building” to “shipbuilding.” Notably, this project also represents the first commercial shipbuilding endeavor undertaken by China Railway Construction Bridge Engineering Bureau Group.
Specifications of the Vessel
The newly constructed vessel is classified as a BC-A class bulk carrier, designed for unlimited navigation zones, with a maximum deadweight capacity of 40,400 tons. It boasts an impressive overall length of 179.9 meters, a beam of 30 meters, a depth of 15.20 meters, and a structural draft of 10.95 meters. Featuring a cargo hold volume of 50,500 cubic meters, this vessel is well-suited for transporting various types of dry bulk cargo.
Innovative Features and Manufacturing Capabilities
Equipped with an unmanned engine room system and certified for unlimited navigation zones, the vessel is authorized to operate in all major seas across the globe. Jingjiang Heavy Industry played a pivotal role in fabricating the hulls for core modules, including the cargo hold area, of this remarkable vessel. To streamline the ship block manufacturing process, the company has established a dedicated site covering 128,700 square meters. Additionally, Jingjiang Heavy Industry has completed the construction of three standardized outdoor ship block assembly lines, capable of producing ship blocks for various vessel types, such as bulk carriers, container ships, and oil tankers.
Future Outlook and Expansion Plans
Looking ahead, Jingjiang Heavy Industry is strategically positioning itself in the shipbuilding and offshore engineering equipment manufacturing sectors by adopting a development strategy of “manufacturing sections first, then assembling the entire vessel.” The company aims to focus on the market for small and medium-sized high-value-added vessels and actively integrate into the Tongtai-Yangzhou National Advanced Manufacturing Cluster for Offshore Engineering Equipment and High-Tech Vessels.
Reports indicate that Jingjiang, Jiangsu, where Jingjiang Heavy Industries is situated, is home to 208 shipbuilding and related supporting enterprises, establishing itself as the nation’s largest and most comprehensively equipped private shipbuilding base. In 2025, Jingjiang accounted for nearly 10 percent of global shipbuilding completions and 10.9 percent of the global order backlog, solidifying its position as a key player in the industry. With its continuous efforts to expand its shipbuilding business and enhance manufacturing capabilities, Jingjiang Heavy Industry is poised to make a significant impact in the maritime sector.
