China joins ranks of shipbuilding giants
China has allegedly joined a small global group of shipbuilders able to design and build the largest class of containerships after China Shipping Container Lines unveiled its 8,530-TEU New Asia, the first of five such vessels to be delivered by Hudong-Zhonghua Shipbuilding (Group) Co. Ltd.
According to a report in China View over the weekend, the completion of the ship has allowed China to join the Republic of Korea, Japan and Denmark in having the capability to design and build such ships.
The ship left on its maiden voyage Sunday to the United States.
The Shanghai-based shipbuilder spent six years on the vessel, the largest container ship independently designed and built by China. The company has orders for nine ships in total, including four for Greek Costamare Shipping Co.