Yinzhou Enterprise Launches First Self-Designed 59,990-Tonne Bulk Carrier

At 9:10 a.m. on September 9, under bright sunshine and ocean breezes, the inaugural bulk carrier "Jinpu Donghai" gently entered Sanmen Bay in Taizhou. This marks the official launch of the first 59,990-ton ultra-energy-efficient bulk carrier independently designed and built by Yinzhou enterprise Zhejiang Zhongpu Heavy Industry Group Co., Ltd.

If an engine is the "heart" of a car, then for a massive oceangoing vessel, its heart is the marine diesel engine. This core component powers the ship across oceans and supplies energy for all onboard electrical systems.

The "Jinpu Donghai" is equipped with a new generation energy-saving diesel engine independently developed by Zhongpu subsidiary Zhejiang Yangpu Diesel Engine Co., Ltd. Its propulsion system features integrated optimization of engine, propeller, and hull design.

"The vessel’s main engine utilizes a low-speed engine paired with a large propeller, achieving world-leading energy efficiency metrics. At full load, it reaches a maximum speed of 12.7 knots. Cruising at 10 knots, daily fuel consumption is only 8.43 tons—40-45% lower than same-tonnage vessels built before 2014. Actual energy consumption is 29% below the IMO’s EEDI baseline, earning it the 'ultra-energy-efficient' designation," stated Ke Zhixiang, President of Zhejiang Zhongpu Heavy Industry Group. "This represents a significant advance in China’s green shipbuilding capabilities, injecting new momentum into maritime energy conservation and high-quality development."

Compared to conventional vessels, the ultra-energy-efficient ship offers notable advantages: lower construction cost, reduced fuel consumption, enhanced storm resistance, faster acceleration, and lower maintenance expenses.

The ship’s "Y32 High-Efficiency Marine Propulsion System" was recognized as a 2024 Zhejiang Provincial First-of-Its-Kind Manufacturing Product. Additionally, the vessel incorporates over 20 patented technologies.

In recent years, Zhongpu Heavy Industry has established a full industrial chain spanning diesel engine R&D and manufacturing, ship design and construction, and maritime transport. The "Jinpu Donghai" was built for its subsidiary Zhejiang Jinpu Shipping Co., Ltd.

"Beyond exceptional energy efficiency, the 'Jinpu Donghai' delivers outstanding economic performance. Even during market downturns with compressed profit margins, it can maintain approximately 10% returns, providing stable earnings for shipowners," added Ke Zhixiang.

Wang Tingqi, General Manager of Zhejiang Jinpu Shipping, noted that this successful launch solidifies the foundation for the company’s strategic goal of adding 5 million tonnes of capacity and constructing 100 new vessels within five years.

In October 2023, Zhejiang Jinpu Shipping, Zhejiang Zhongpu Shipbuilding, and Taizhou Haibin Ship Repair & Building Co., Ltd. held a signing ceremony in Sanmen County to jointly build 10 ultra-energy-efficient bulk carriers.