Nantong Shipyards in 2024
Kjeld Friis Munkholm 孟可和
Owner/CEO at Munkholm & Zhang Consulting<>Associate Partner at Vejle - China Business Center<>Advisor to The Board at Goevolve
Introduction
Nantong, situated in Jiangsu Province, China, is a critical hub for the global maritime industry. Home to some of the world’s most advanced shipbuilding and repair facilities, the city’s shipyards exemplify innovation, sustainability, and industrial excellence. These shipyards not only drive Nantong’s economic growth but also position the city as a leader in green shipping technologies and offshore engineering. With increasing international collaborations and adherence to evolving environmental standards, Nantong shipyards are shaping the future of global shipbuilding.
1. China Merchants Heavy Industry (Jiangsu) Co., Ltd. (CMHI)
Overview: CMHI specializes in offshore engineering equipment and high-tech vessels, such as Floating Production Storage and Offloading (FPSO) units and LNG carriers. The shipyard boasts state-of-the-art facilities, including expansive fabrication areas, advanced gantry cranes, and cutting-edge assembly lines.
Key Facilities:
Fabrication Area: 600,000 square meters
Dry Docks: Capable of accommodating FPSOs and ultra-large container ships.
Workforce: 5,000 skilled employees
Recent Projects:
FPSO for TotalEnergies: In 2024, CMHI secured a $1.2 billion contract for the FPSO project in Angola’s Kaminho field, showcasing its ability to handle complex offshore engineering projects.
LNG Carriers: Delivered three dual-fuel LNG carriers to European clients, contributing to global decarbonization efforts in maritime transport.
Metrics:
Annual Production Capacity: 1.5 million DWT
Revenue (2023): $1.2 billion (+15% YoY)
2. Nantong COSCO KHI Ship Engineering Co., Ltd. (NACKS)
Overview: A joint venture between COSCO Shipping and Kawasaki Heavy Industries, NACKS focuses on constructing large container ships, bulk carriers, and specialized vessels like dual-fuel ships.
Key Facilities:
Two docks (300,000-ton and 500,000-ton capacity)
Advanced robotic welding and automated assembly systems.
Recent Projects:
Intelligent Bulk Carriers: Partnered with Jiangsu Ocean Shipping Co. to build 82,000-metric-ton bulk carriers with AI-driven navigation and energy efficiency technologies.
Ultra-large Container Ships (ULCS): Delivered a series of 24,000 TEU container ships to global shipping giants.
Metrics:
Annual Production Capacity: 2.2 million DWT
Workforce: 6,000 employees
Revenue (2023): $1.5 billion (+10% YoY)
3. COSCO (Nantong) Shipyard Co., Ltd.
Overview: Specializing in ship repairs, conversions, and offshore engineering, this shipyard plays a vital role in retrofitting vessels to meet modern regulatory standards.
Key Facilities:
150,000 DWT floating dock
Land Area: 400,000 square meters
Recent Projects:
FSO Conversions: Delivered three Floating Storage and Offloading units for Middle Eastern clients in 2024.
LNG Retrofitting: Upgraded 20 vessels with LNG propulsion systems.
Metrics:
Vessel Handling: 150 vessels annually
Revenue (2023): $800 million (+12% YoY)
4. Keppel Nantong Shipyard
Overview: A subsidiary of Keppel Offshore & Marine Ltd, this yard focuses on offshore rigs, FPSOs, and specialized vessels.
Key Facilities:
Four advanced dry docks
Integrated production lines for high-specification offshore units.
Recent Projects:
Jack-Up Rig Delivery: Completed a North Sea-standard jack-up rig in mid-2024 with advanced automation systems.
FPSO Hull Fabrication: Fabricated hull sections for large FPSOs bound for South America.
Metrics:
Annual Capacity: 4 offshore rigs
Workforce: 3,500 employees
Revenue (2023): $900 million (+9% YoY)
5. Nantong Xiangyu Shipbuilding & Offshore Engineering Co., Ltd.
Overview: Specializes in chemical tankers and LNG-capable vessels with a focus on environmentally friendly designs.
Key Facilities:
Advanced outfitting workshops
Dedicated LNG-compatible assembly lines.
Recent Projects:
Chemical Tankers: Six 38,000 DWT dual-fuel chemical tankers under construction for NYK Stolt Tankers.
Dual-Fuel Retrofits: Retrofitted existing tankers to comply with IMO 2023 emissions standards.
Metrics:
Annual Capacity: 1 million DWT
Revenue (2023): $600 million (+15% YoY)
6. Nantong Ruitai Ship Engineering Co., Ltd.
Overview: A specialist in drydocking and retrofitting, Nantong Ruitai is critical for maintaining the operational efficiency of global fleets.
Key Facilities:
Multiple drydocks for vessels up to 120,000 DWT.
Recent Projects:
Bulk Carrier Retrofitting: Completed advanced ballast water management retrofits for a fleet of 15 vessels.
Ice-Class Vessels: Modified three ice-class vessels to meet Arctic operation requirements.
Metrics:
Annual Vessel Handling: 50 vessels
Revenue (2023): $350 million (+10% YoY)
7. New Times Shipbuilding Co., Ltd.
Overview: Among China’s largest private shipyards, specializing in bulk carriers, tankers, and container ships.
Key Facilities:
Fully automated hull assembly workshops.
Recent Projects:
Delivered 10 Very Large Crude Carriers (VLCCs) in compliance with IMO 2023.
Constructing dual-fuel LNG-powered tankers for European clients.
Metrics:
Annual Capacity: 4 million DWT
Revenue (2023): $2 billion (+12% YoY)
8. Jiangsu New Hantong Ship Heavy Industry
Overview: Focuses on bulk carriers, oil tankers, and specialized vessels, emphasizing cost-efficient production.
Key Facilities:
High-capacity slipways and modern dry docks.
Recent Projects:
Delivered Handymax bulk carriers for Southeast Asia.
LNG-propelled tankers under construction.
Metrics:
Annual Capacity: 2.5 million DWT
Revenue (2023): $1 billion (+10% YoY)
Overall Job Creation and Economic Impact
Conclusion
Nantong’s shipyards are global leaders in shipbuilding, repair, and offshore engineering. Their advanced facilities, commitment to green technologies, and ability to handle complex projects position Nantong as a cornerstone of the global maritime industry. The city’s economic contributions, job creation, and innovations align with international sustainability goals, making Nantong indispensable to the future of global shipping.
Disclaimer
This report provides an analysis of Nantong’s shipyards based on the latest available information. While efforts have been made to ensure accuracy, metrics and details are subject to change. Readers should consult official sources or industry experts for the most up-to-date information. The authors assume no liability for decisions made based on this document.
Kjeld Friis Munkholm Associate Parter at Vejle - China Business Center
? 2024 Kjeld Friis Munkholm. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means without the prior written permission of the author. transmitted in any form or by any means without the prior written permission of the author.