In a significant development for the global maritime industry, a 2012-built Kamsarmax bulk carrier has undergone a remarkable transformation, successfully converting into a 3,607 TEU containership in China. This ambitious project, completed at the Zhoushan Xinya Shipyard in Zhejiang Province, marks a pioneering achievement, described by the China Classification Society (CCS) as the largest and first major conversion of an approximately 80,000 dwt bulk carrier into a vessel of this type.

The conversion, which took roughly six months, officially concluded on June 12, 2026. The vessel, originally known as GUANG QI DE ER TA, began its life in 2012 as an 80,000 dwt SDARI-designed Kamsarmax bulk carrier, equipped with seven cargo holds. Its new incarnation sees it emerge as a geared containership, boasting 13 dedicated container cargo holds and a completely redesigned deck featuring advanced container lashing and securing systems. To meet stringent operational visibility and navigation requirements, the accommodation block was also raised during the reconstruction process.

The China Classification Society played a crucial role, reviewing and surveying the entire project through its Plan Approval Center and Zhejiang Branch. CCS highlighted that the conversion involved extensive structural modifications. These included a complete redesign of the cargo holds, significant hull strengthening, the installation of sophisticated container stowage systems, and a comprehensive reconfiguration of various onboard systems to suit its new role in container shipping.

Now registered under the Chinese flag, the vessel is owned, operated, and ship-managed by Shenzhen Qianhai Guangqi Shipping. Seacon Ships Management Co Ltd will serve as its technical manager and DOC company. The successful execution of this complex project was supported by design expertise from the Shanghai Merchant Ship Design & Research Institute (SDARI) and the robust construction capabilities of Zhoushan Xinya Shipyard.

This groundbreaking bulk carrier conversion underscores a growing trend towards fleet modernization and sustainable shipping solutions within the maritime sector, demonstrating innovative approaches to adapt existing tonnage to evolving market demands.

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