Winning International Group has signed a landmark contract with CSSC Qingdao Beihai Shipbuilding to construct six 325,000 dwt WinningMAX ultra-large ore carriers (ULOCs), further strengthening the companies’ collaboration in the development of next-generation ultra-large vessels.
This order brings Winning’s total WinningMAX fleet under construction to sixteen vessels, reinforcing its leadership in the dry bulk shipping sector.
Green and Sustainable Vessel Design
The new generation of WinningMAX vessels is designed with green and sustainable development principles, featuring innovative concepts from the China Ship Design & Research Center and custom-built in collaboration with multiple partners. These vessels are optimized for the iron ore and bauxite trade, specifically for the West Africa–China shipping route, covering the entire logistics chain.
Both China Classification Society (CCS) and DNV have provided technical certifications for the vessels, highlighting their compliance with international standards.
Key Specifications
- Overall length: 329.99 meters
- Molded breadth: 60 meters
- Molded depth: 30.50 meters
- Structural draft: 22.10 meters
- Service speed: 13.9 knots
- Phase III Energy Efficiency Design Index (EEDI) compliant
Energy Efficiency and Methanol Fuel Compatibility
Compared to traditional Capesize vessels, the WinningMAX design reduces energy consumption per ton-nautical mile by nearly 50%. The vessels are also methanol fuel-ready, equipped with a 12,000-cubic-meter methanol fuel storage tank, enabling potential “zero-carbon” operation on future voyages using green methanol.
“The breakthrough in this vessel design exemplifies Winning International Group’s commitment to green innovation, while pioneering advanced propulsion technologies that set new benchmarks for decarbonization in China’s shipbuilding sector,” the company stated.
Strategic Role in Global Mineral Transportation
Winning International operates one of the world’s leading dry bulk shipping fleets and is the largest bauxite sea transporter globally. The company also provides critical ocean shipping capacity for the Simandou iron ore project.
The new WinningMAX vessels will enhance Winning’s capabilities to deliver eco-friendly, efficient, and large-scale ore transportation solutions along the West Africa–China route. The company plans to continue expanding and modernizing its fleet with a focus on sustainable and technologically advanced ultra-large carriers.
