Zhonggu Logistics is reshaping its fleet with an upsized newbuilding program and planned vessel disposals, signaling a sustained capacity expansion and fleet renewal strategy that will affect container shipping capacity on key Asian trade lanes in the late 2020s.
Fleet Expansion and Upsizing
According to Splash247, the Shanghai-listed Chinese containership player has revised its planned series of eight 6,000 TEU ships to 6,300 TEU following finalisation of the vessel design. The ships are the eight larger units the company lined up earlier this year.
In January, Zhonggu Logistics signed for four firm 6,000 TEU ships plus two options at Hengli Heavy Industries, with the total construction cost capped at approximately $500 million (excluding tax) and delivery scheduled from 2028. In February, the company added two more 6,000 TEU ships at China Merchants Jinling Shipyard.
The revised newbuilding programme now covers 10 x 1,800 TEU ships and 8 x 6,300 TEU ships, with total investment unchanged at RMB6.86 billion ($1 billion). Zhonggu plans to use RMB3 billion from a convertible bond issue to support the vessel acquisition plan. The company stated that the change does not alter the ship type or the amount of proceeds to be used from the planned bond issue.
Disposal of Older Vessels
As part of the same fleet renewal push, Zhonggu is preparing to sell three ships. The company plans to dispose of the 2023-built postpanamax Zhong Gu Cheng Du and a pair of general cargo ships, Zhong Gu 20 (built 2015) and Zhong Gu 21 (built 2014), through public auction, listing or negotiated sale. The vessels are expected to fetch no less than RMB570 million ($84 million).
| Vessel Name | Type | Built Year | Expected Minimum Sale Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Zhong Gu Cheng Du | Postpanamax | 2023 | Part of RMB570m total |
| Zhong Gu 20 | General cargo | 2015 | Part of RMB570m total |
| Zhong Gu 21 | General cargo | 2014 | Part of RMB570m total |
Overall Investment and Financing
Fleet data from Alphaliner shows Zhonggu Logistics currently operates 64 ships, with 18 vessels on order. The company's orderbook includes both the 8 x 6,300 TEU and 10 x 1,800 TEU series.
In a separate development reported by Splash in April, Zhonggu backed the restart of Wuhan Qingshan Shipyard with a 10-ship order for 1,800 TEU feeders. The Shanghai-listed carrier said at the time it would invest up to $392 million in the series, with deliveries scheduled between 2028 and 2029.
Shippers and Operator Implications
For shippers and freight forwarders, Zhonggu's upsizing of its newbuilds from 6,000 to 6,300 TEU means larger vessels entering the fleet from 2028, potentially increasing capacity on routes between China and other regions. The sale of the Zhong Gu Cheng Du and two general cargo ships may free up capital and reduce average fleet age, improving operational efficiency. The use of convertible bonds for financing indicates a long-term commitment to fleet growth.
Trade lanes specifically affected are likely to include Asia-Europe and intra-Asia, where mid-sized container ships of this size are commonly deployed. The feeder orders at Wuhan Qingshan Shipyard signal an intent to strengthen intra-China or short-sea services.
Watch List
- Newbuild deliveries: First of the 6,300 TEU vessels expected from 2028 at Hengli Heavy Industries and China Merchants Jinling Shipyard.
- Bond issue progress: RMB3 billion convertible bond to support vessel acquisition.
- Auction results: Sale prices for Zhong Gu Cheng Du, Zhong Gu 20, and Zhong Gu 21; reserve price set at RMB570 million total.
- Wuhan Qingshan Shipyard restart: Feeder deliveries beginning 2028.
- Alphaliner fleet updates: Zhonggu's orderbook and operating fleet changes.
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