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Soho Tech Group of Jiangsu has signed a contract to build two new bulk carriers, each with a deadweight tonnage of 63,500, for Hong Kong‑based K.C. Maritime.
The deal signals confidence.
Details of the new vessels
The ships will measure 199.9 meters in length, 32.26 meters in beam and 18.9 meters in depth, with a structural draft of 13.5 meters. They are designed for a service speed of 13.5 knots and can travel up to 20,000 nautical miles without refueling. Propulsion will rely on a single‑engine, single‑propeller layout, a configuration the shipbuilder says improves both operational efficiency and environmental impact.
According to the companies, the design incorporates several energy‑saving and eco‑friendly technologies. The emphasis on greener performance aligns with market demand for vessels that meet stricter emission standards while keeping operating costs low.
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Company background and order book
K.C. Maritime is a subsidiary of the Chellaram Group, a century‑old conglomerate that currently operates four kamsarmaxes and eight ultramax or supramax vessels. Soho Tech Group, which runs the Chuangke Shipyard, has recently completed a restructuring that left it with 37 orders for the 63,500 dwt bulk carrier series. The shipbuilder attributes its success to stable delivery capacity, an eco‑efficient design and tight construction quality control.
Earlier this year the yard celebrated the early delivery of a 35,000 dwt bulk carrier, arriving 52 days ahead of schedule and setting a new record for the fastest completion at the facility. That achievement highlighted the yard’s ability to meet tight timelines, a factor that may appeal to owners seeking reliable supply of new ships.
The contract with K.C. Maritime adds two more vessels to a growing fleet that already includes a mix of mid‑size bulk carriers. With the Chellaram Group’s existing fleet of four kamsarmaxes and eight larger ships, the new builds will expand its capacity in the 63,500 dwt segment, a size class that remains popular in the global new‑building market.
From a practical standpoint, ship owners looking for vessels that can handle long voyages without compromising on fuel efficiency will find these specifications attractive. The combination of a single‑engine layout and a modest service speed suggests lower fuel consumption, which could translate into cost savings over the vessel’s operational life.
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Industry context
Soho Tech Group’s focus on environmentally conscious design reflects a broader shift in the maritime sector toward greener operations. Regulations such as IMO 2020 and upcoming carbon‑reduction targets have pushed shipbuilders to adopt technologies that reduce emissions. By offering a bulk carrier that meets these expectations, the shipyard positions itself to attract orders from owners who must comply with tightening rules.
While the contract covers only two ships, the broader order book indicates ongoing demand for this vessel type. The company’s claim that the 63,500 dwt bulk carrier is “one of the most popular mainstream ship types in the current global new‑building market” suggests that the class balances cargo capacity with operational flexibility, making it suitable for a range of trade routes.
In the next months, delivery schedules will determine how quickly the new vessels join K.C. Maritime’s operating fleet. The timeline has not been disclosed, but the shipyard’s recent record of early delivery may hint at an accelerated schedule.
