Shipping company Chipolbrok is said to be in talks with a Chinese shipyard for the construction of up to four new 62,000 dwt multipurpose vessels with a total value of USD 120 million. 

The company is reportedly in advanced talks with Chengxi Shipyard, which is part of the state-owned shipbuilding group China State Shipbuilding Corporation (CSSC).

The contract would include two firm orders with an option for another two vessels. The Chinese Bank of Communications Financial Leasing will provide financing for the vessels which would cost USD 30 million each.

If the deal goes ahead the vessels will be the biggest in the Chipolbrok fleet. The Chinese-Polish Joint Stock Shipping Company, as the company is officially called, operates a fleet of 14 large and heavy-lift capable multipurpose vessels.

Its fleet exists of four 32,000 dwt vessels with a maximum lift capacity of 700 tonnes and another ten 30,000 dwt vessels capable of lifting 640 tonnes. The lift capabilities of the new vessels are unknown.

PCJ has reached out to Chipolbrok for confirmation of the reports but the company declined to comment.

Founded on June 15th, 1951, Chipolbrok was the first joint venture in the People’s Republic of China. The company specializes in the transport of heavy-lift, project and breakbulk cargo transportation and has Shanghai, Gdynia, Singapore and Houston.