Chinese yard Taizhou Zhonghang Shipbuilding has secured a fresh order for four 63,000 dwt general cargo ships from Hong Kong’s King Ship (HK).

The contract, signed yesterday at Taizhou Port Shipbuilding New Area, follows King Ship’s initial order for eight vessels of the same design placed on May 9, 2024. The latest deal takes the series to a dozen ships.

The vessels are designed for a broad range of breakbulk, bulk, and project cargoes, catering to the growing demand for multipurpose vessels in global trades. 

While delivery dates have not been disclosed, industry sources suggest the orderbook will keep Zhonghang’s slipways busy well into 2027.

Taizhou Port Shipbuilding New Area has been stepping up efforts to attract larger, more complex tonnage orders as part of the region’s push to become a major shipbuilding hub.