en.Wedoany.com Reported - China Classification Society (CCS) has completed a complex six-month conversion project, transforming an 80,000 DWT Kamsarmax bulk carrier into a container ship, marking the first such conversion for a vessel of this class.

The original vessel for this conversion was the 2012-built bulk carrier "Chang Xin 66," designed based on Deltamarin's standard Kuangchi Delta bulk carrier, which maximizes cargo capacity while optimizing hull operational efficiency. The conversion work was undertaken by Zhoushan Xinya Shipbuilding & Repair Co., with CCS providing technical support throughout the process, from planning review to on-site construction.

The conversion involved large-scale structural modifications to the hull, a comprehensive reorganization of the cargo hold layout, and the design and installation of a specialized container lashing system, along with adaptive optimization of various onboard systems. The completed vessel, renamed "Guang Qi De Er Ta," has a gross tonnage of 43,746 tons and a capacity of 3,600 TEU. The project was completed on June 10.

Shipping companies have repeatedly explored the feasibility of converting bulk carriers or oil tankers into container ships. During the pandemic, general cargo vessels were rapidly modified for container transport. With limited container ship capacity but record demand, such large-scale conversion projects are gaining renewed attention. Another Chinese company recently completed a project converting a smaller handysize bulk carrier into a 2,500 TEU container ship. Amid persistently high utilization rates of container ships, this type of conversion is seen as a relatively fast way to supplement capacity.

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