Chinese shipbuilders have successfully completed the world’s largest bulk carrier-to-containership conversion project.
The work was carried out at Zhoushan Xinya Shipbuilding & Repair, where the former bulk carrier GUANG QI DE ER TA (IMO 9469522), built in 2012, underwent an extensive transformation and was converted into a containership.
Before the conversion, the vessel operated as a Kamsarmax bulk carrier with a deadweight of approximately 80,000 tonnes. Following the modernization, the ship now has a container capacity of 3,607 TEU, making it the largest completed bulker-to-containership conversion project in the world.
The conversion involved far more than a standard retrofit. Engineers completely redesigned the vessel’s internal structure, converting the original seven cargo holds into thirteen container bays. New container securing systems were installed, deck structures were reinforced, and onboard systems were adapted to meet the requirements of container operations.
The project began in early 2026 and took approximately six months to complete. The conversion was carried out under the supervision of China Classification Society (CCS), which described the project as an important technological achievement for China’s ship repair industry.
Industry experts note that interest in vessel conversion projects continues to grow amid strong demand for container tonnage and limited shipyard capacity for newbuilding container vessels. Converting existing ships allows owners to enter the market faster without waiting several years for newbuild deliveries.
The completion of GUANG QI DE ER TA highlights the growing capabilities of Chinese shipyards not only in new ship construction but also in complex modernization projects that extend the service life of existing vessels.
Photo: GUANG QI DE ER TA after completing the world’s largest bulk carrier-to-containership conversion project.
