Shanghai Waigaoqiao Shipbuilding Co., Ltd. (SWS), a subsidiary of China State Shipbuilding Corporation Limited (CSSC), has named and delivered the "GRANDE TIANJIN," a 9,000-car capacity Pure Car and Truck Carrier (PCTC) built for Italy’s Grimaldi Group. This delivery marks SWS's 600th vessel or offshore platform since its inaugural delivery–the 150,000-ton Floating Production Storage and Offloading (FPSO) unit "Hai Yang Shi You 111"–in 2003.
SWS has cumulatively delivered an impressive 102.02 million deadweight tons (DWT). Achieving an average annual delivery rate of 27 vessels or 4.637 million DWT, the company continues to set new records for China's shipbuilding industry. This milestone vividly showcases SWS's high-quality development and robust capabilities, while also participating in and witnessing China's remarkable shipbuilding transformation since the millennium–evolving from a follower to a peer, and now a leader in the global maritime sector.
Tempered Through Six Centennial Phases
Forged over 26 years across six distinct "Century Ship" phases "Embarkation & Breakthrough, Surge, Expansion, Transformation, Striving, and Leapfrog" – SWS has progressed alongside the nation. Delivering 600 vessels in 22 years charts China's determined maritime upgrade, etching the name of SWS shipbuilders onto the journey towards a strong maritime nation.
1. Embarkation & Breakthrough (1st 100 Ships):
Riding the wave of China's WTO accession and founded in 1999, SWS emerged with a mission. Achieving "simultaneous shipyard construction, shipbuilding, and talent development," it delivered its first three ships totaling 500,000 DWT in 2003, the year its base was completed, setting an industry benchmark. Key milestones included China's first domestically developed 175,000-ton Green Capesize bulk carrier, breaking Shanghai's barrier in building 100,000+ ton vessels; multiple FPSOs (150k, 170k, 300k tons), including the award-winning "Hai Yang Shi You 117"; and the world's first CSR-compliant 316,000-ton VLCC "Hua Shan," honored as the "Annual World Renowned Ship Type."
2. Surge (2nd 100 Ships):
Marked by the delivery of the 176,000-ton bulk carrier "ALPHA DIGNITY" for Greece's Alpha Tanker (200th ship), this phase saw SWS surge in bulk carriers, tankers, and VLCCs. Mass production of 180,000-ton Capesize bulkers established SWS as the global R&D and construction hub for this class – a market leader, technology pioneer, and price-setter, hailed as a "Made in China" to "Created in China" exemplar. Its "SWS-Tanker" series (Aframax to Suezmax to VLCC) captured 5-9% market share, earning "China Top Brand" and "World's Excellent Ship" honors. Annual output repeatedly broke 6M, 7M, and 8M DWT barriers, making SWS China's first and only shipyard exceeding 8M DWT annually.
3. Expansion (3rd 100 Ships):
The 206,000-ton bulk carrier "Yu Xing" for Taiwan's U-Ming Shipping (300th ship) signaled strategic diversification. Beyond bulkers and VLCCs, SWS achieved a major offshore breakthrough: delivering China's first world-class sixth-generation 3,000-meter deepwater semi-submersible drilling rig, "Hai Yang Shi You 981," marking a historic leap from shallow to deepwater operations. This project, vital for national energy security and maritime rights, won the National Special Prize for Scientific Progress. SWS also launched China's first standardized offshore equipment demonstration project, strengthening project management and control systems.
4. Transformation (4th 100 Ships):
Amid a severe global market downturn, SWS delivered the 318,000-ton VLCC "Victory" for China Merchants Energy Shipping (400th ship), successfully initiating its transformation. Focusing on high-end products, it pioneered China's entry into the ultra-large container ship market by delivering the country's first 18,000 TEU vessel. Batch deliveries of 83,000m³ and 85,000m³ VLGCs broke the longstanding dominance of Japan and South Korea, propelling China into the global elite for VLGC design and construction. Steady annual deliveries of ~25 ships laid crucial groundwork.
5. Striving (5th 100 Ships):
The 210,000-ton bulk carrier "De Mei" for US-based Foremost Group (500th ship) highlighted SWS's pursuit of industry "crown jewels." Key achievements included: the world's first 400,000-ton intelligent ore carrier "Ming Yuan," marking China's entry into Intelligent Ship 1.0; China's first 20,000 TEU container ship; the world's unique 2.3-million-barrel "Universal" FPSO for SBM Offshore; and series deliveries of CJ46, CJ50, JU2000E jack-up rigs. Critically, SWS commenced construction of China's first domestically-built large cruise ship in 2019, targeting the industry's "last crown jewel."
6. Leapfrog (6th 100 Ships):
The delivery of the "GRANDE TIANJIN" (600th ship) caps this phase. Capitalizing on market recovery and executing its "Cruise-led, Integrated Dual Wings" strategy, SWS achieved leapfrog development. Highlights include: batch delivery of 7000 TEU container ships (averaging 2/month, global segment leader); world's first 209,000-ton Newcastlemax LNG dual-fuel bulk carrier "Bixi Shan," pioneering the dual-fuel era in bulk shipping; world's first wind-assisted Aframax product tanker, offering green solutions. Successful completion of jack-up rig projects and consecutive deliveries of 2.3M-barrel FPSOs cemented its offshore leadership. On November 4, 2024, delivering the FPSO "Jaguar," SWS became China's first shipyard exceeding 100 million DWT cumulative output. The crowning achievement: delivery and successful operation of China's first domestically-built large cruise ship, "Adora Magic City," on November 4, 2023 – a landmark event symbolizing China's transition from a major to a leading shipbuilding nation. Major milestones for the second large cruise ship, "Adora Huacheng," were also achieved, signaling the imminent rise of China's cruise industry.
A New Beginning
Evolving from bulkers and tankers to a comprehensive portfolio covering large cruise ships, medium/large tankers, medium/large container ships, PCTCs, and offshore drilling/production units, SWS stands as the world's sole shipyard capable of simultaneously building commercial vessels, offshore equipment, and large cruise ships. Its 26-year journey culminating in 600 ships has pioneered a unique mega-system digital-intelligent management model, setting new benchmarks for rhythmic, batch, and efficient construction in China. Critically, these achievements coincide with the robust growth and upgrade of China's shipbuilding supply chain, solidifying the foundation for a strong shipbuilding nation.
Sailing through countless mountains, the journey ahead shines bright. As China concludes its 14th Five-Year Plan and prepares for the 15th, SWS, under CSSC leadership and guided by the "1-1-7-8" framework, commits to value-driven, innovation-led development. Focusing on profitability in cruise ships, strength in offshore, excellence in commercial ships, and breakthroughs in applications/services, it will accelerate digital, intelligent, and green transformation. With steadfast perseverance ("daily progress") and long-term resolve, SWS strives to become a "China-leading, world-class" intelligent shipbuilding enterprise with powerful global influence, contributing wisdom and strength to building China into a strong maritime nation.
The "GRANDE TIANJIN”
The newly delivered "GRANDE TIANJIN" features a 9,000-car capacity, compatible with electric vehicles, conventional fuel cars, and heavy ro-ro cargo. Equipped with a new low-consumption main engine, integrated energy-saving devices (twisted rudder, rudder bulb with fins), and a medium-voltage shore power system enabling zero emissions while berthed, it significantly reduces energy consumption. It also holds RINA's "Ammonia Ready" certification, enabling future conversion for zero-carbon fuels. Remarkably, its dock and quayside construction period was only 179 days, setting a record for its type.
The vessel is scheduled to depart on its maiden voyage on August 19th, carrying the 1,000,000th pure electric vehicle from Chinese NEV brand Leapmotor to Europe. This "Chinese Cars on Chinese Ships" initiative exemplifies collaboration between China's NEV and shipping industries. It represents a powerful synergy between China's shipbuilding and automotive manufacturing sectors, fostering deeper global supply chain integration. Utilizing low-carbon shipping, it supports the overseas expansion of China's new energy industry, showcasing China's proactive role and vitality in reshaping the global green industrial chain.
