Strategic Expansion: Chinese Ship Owner Invests in Multipurpose Heavy-Lift Newbuilds

Chinese bulker owner Fujian Haitong Development has made a significant strategic shift by entering the newbuild vessel market, placing an order for three 62,000 DWT multipurpose heavy-lift (MPP) ships with Taizhou Kouan Shipbuilding.

The Shanghai-listed company plans to invest up to RMB 900 million (approx. USD 129 million) before tax in this newbuild programme; a departure from its historic growth mainly via second hand acquisitions.

This investment highlights Fujian Haitong’s commitment to strengthening its fleet structure, expanding its project cargo capacity, and enhancing profitability in the MPP shipping segment, a market with firm demand driven by ageing global tonnage and limited current orders.

The new vessels are expected to be delivered within 12 months of steel cutting, subject to standard shipyard allowances, and will support the company’s broader strategy to build toward a 100-ship fleet while capturing more specialised and higher-margin cargo opportunities.