Chinese container ships built for domestic and coastal trades are increasingly attracting attention in the global charter market, according to industry analysts Alphaliner.
Over the past decade, the Chinese coastal and domestic trades have absorbed numerous container ship newbuildings designed specifically for this growing sector of the liner market. Most of these vessels share features that adapt them to the specific requirements of the trade.
The Chinese domestic lines favour very compact ships with a high deadweight, small engines, modest reefer intakes, and slow sailing speeds that rarely exceed 15 knots. Typically, these ships are built without gear and their lashing bridge arrangements are minimal to non-existent.
The ship design reflects the nature of the cargo and the routes, with fairly high average container weights, a low percentage of reefer containers, and relatively short steaming distances between the Chinese main ports.
One might describe these ships as ‘low tech’ vessels with specifications that make them resemble open-hatch bulk carriers without cranes.
While some of this tonnage was produced by first-tier yards such as Yangzijiang or Jinling, many vessels originate from lesser-known producers of the second or third tier that primarily build tonnage for compatriot owners in China.
Source: Alphaliner
