NYK Signs Historic Deal for Heavy Cargo Ships at Chinese Shipyard

(Photo Source: nbpc.co.jp)

 Japanese shipping major NYK Bulk & Projects Carriers has signed a landmark contract with China’s Dalian Shipbuilding Industry Co. for up to four new 33,000 dwt deck carriers. This marks the first time NYK Bulk has ordered vessels directly from Dalian Shipbuilding.

The vessels are purpose-built for transporting large, heavy, and oversized cargo, such as offshore wind farm components and industrial plant modules — aligning with growing demand for project cargo capacity driven by the global energy transition.

The ships will be dual-fuel ready, capable of running on methanol or ammonia, in line with NYK Group’s decarbonization roadmap. First delivery is expected in early 2027, with optional vessels delivering through 2028 if exercised.

By choosing Dalian, NYK Bulk gains competitive pricing and faster delivery, though the deal underscores Japan’s growing dependence on Chinese shipbuilding capacity, even as the Japanese government tries to revive its own shipyard sector.