Hudong–Zhonghua Shipbuilding
| Company type | Subsidiary |
|---|---|
| Industry | Shipbuilding |
| Headquarters | Shanghai , China |
Area served | Worldwide |
| Products | Commercial vessels, Military vessels, LNG carriers, Container ships |
| Owner | China State Shipbuilding Corporation (CSSC) |
| Parent | China State Shipbuilding Corporation (CSSC) |
Hudong–Zhonghua Shipbuilding operates as a subsidiary under the umbrella of China State Shipbuilding Corporation (CSSC), focusing on the construction of both commercial and military vessels. It has earned the reputation of being the "Birthplace of Chinese Frigates and Landing Ships" due to its significant contributions to the People's Liberation Army Navy.
History
Hudong-Zhonghua Shipbuilding emerged from the consolidation of Hudong Shipbuilding Group and Zhonghua Shipyard. Among its notable achievements is the construction of Dapeng Sun, recognized as China's inaugural LNG carrier. This vessel was delivered in April 2008, following a delay of four months, with an investment totaling US$160 million.
In 2005, Hudong-Zhonghua initiated plans for a CZK 1 billion joint venture with České loděnice located in Děčín. This partnership later merged with VEKA Group in 2011 to prevent financial failure. The company has faced tragic incidents involving gantry crane accidents in 2001 and 2008, which resulted in several fatalities.
September 2017 marked Hudong-Zhonghua's success in securing a contract to construct five out of nine 23,000 TEU container ships for CMA CGM. These vessels were distinguished as the largest LNG-powered container ships globally, measuring 400 meters in length and 61 meters in width. The first ship, CMA CGM Jacques Saadé, was handed over in September 2020 after a delay extending ten months. By 2021, all five vessels had been completed and delivered.
In 2019, Hudong-Zhonghua was awarded a contract to build four additional 23,000 TEU ships for Taiwan's Evergreen shipping company, following the successful delivery of four 2,500 TEU vessels. A CSSC representative highlighted this as an endorsement from leading liner operators for the shipbuilder’s expertise in designing and constructing ultra-large containerships.
The year 2020 saw Hudong-Zhonghua obtain a US$3 billion agreement to produce sixteen LNG carriers for QatarEnergy, aligning with the energy producer’s plans to expand its LNG fleet potentially by up to one hundred new vessels.
In January 2021, Hudong-Zhonghua announced plans to relocate operations to Changxing Island, situated near Jiangnan Shipyard. Construction commenced that same month with phase one expected to conclude by 2023 at an estimated cost of CNY 8 billion; the overall investment is projected at CNY 18 billion.
By June 2021, Evergreen had contracted Hudong–Zhonghua to build two Evergreen A-class container ships each capable of carrying 24,000 TEU—the largest capacity worldwide—at an approximate price of $180 million per vessel. Delivery was scheduled between late 2023 and early 2024. In March 2022, Evergreen placed orders for three more ships within this class.
Incidents with LNG ships
Early LNG carriers constructed in China encountered operational reliability issues. The Dapeng Sun underwent significant repairs in Singapore just fourteen months post-delivery. Another vessel, CESI Gladstone, built by Hudong-Zhonghua and delivered in October 2016, suffered propulsion failure near Papua New Guinea in June 2018.
Facilities and divisions
- Hudong Heavy Machinery
Created through the integration of engine departments from Hudong and Shanghai Shipyards
- Hudong Shipyard
- Shanghai Edward Shipbuilding
Founded in 1997 as a joint venture between CSSC and Hansa Shipbuilding; reportedly became a partnership between Hudong–Zhonghua and Hansa by 2005
- Huarun Dadong Shipyard
Established as a joint venture with China Resources
- Zhonghua Shipyard
See also
- List of shipbuilders and shipyards
- G4-class freighter, constructed by Hudong–Zhonghua