China Completes World's Largest Bulker-to-Containership Conversion

The China Classification Society (CCS) has announced the successful completion of the largest conversion of a bulk carrier into a cellular container ship. According to the CSS, the six-month project is the first of its kind to involve an 80,000 dwt Kamsarmax dry bulk carrier.

A breakthrough

The project began with the 2012-built bulk carrier Chang Xin 66 (IMO: 9469522), a Kuangchi Delta bulker based on a design from FInland's Deltamarin. The design concept for the class maximized cargo capabilities while also optimizing the hull design to increase operating efficiency.

The conversion was carried out by Zhoushan Xinya Shipbuilding & Repair Co. under the supervision of CCS, whose team was involved from the planning and scheme review stages through to construction. CCS describes the project as a breakthrough, noting that it involved a high technical barrier and was executed on a massive scale.

The scope of work included extensive structural modifications to the hull, a full restructuring of the cargo hold layout, and the design and installation of a container lashing system. The vessel's systems were also optimised and adapted for its new role.

The completed vessel has been renamed Guang Qi De Er Ta. Previously recorded at 43,746 gross tons, it now has a container capacity of 3,600 TEU.

The conversion was completed on June 10, 2026.

Containership demand at record levels

Shipping companies have periodically explored the conversion of bulk carriers and tankers into container ships. During the pandemic, several general cargo vessels were quickly adapted to carry containers.

With containership demand at record levels and available capacity limited, large-scale conversion projects are now attracting renewed interest. Another Chinese company recently reported completing the conversion of smaller Handymax bulk carriers into 2,500 TEU container ships.