First steel cut for new inland bulker for China's Ruichang Haihong Shipping

China's Jiangxi Huadong Shipbuilding has cut the first steel to be used in the construction of a new bulk carrier ordered by local shipowner Ruichang Haihong Shipping.

The ship will be the first of a planned series of five that will be capable of operating on the Yangtze River and other inland waterways in China.

The vessel will adopt a hull design utilising an inverted bow and twin stern. This will help reduce surface resistance in addition to maximising the available space within the 119.98-metre hull.

The cargo hold will feature collision-resistant side walls and a double-bottom structure for greater safety.

The ship will be capable of transporting up to 17,000 tons of bulk cargo such as iron ore, grain and coal, though it may also be configured to carry 20-foot and 40-foot standard containers and dangerous goods.

Power will be provided by two LNG-fuelled engines that will deliver a service speed of 10.6 knots and a maximum endurance of 96 hours.