China COSCO Shipping Corporation has sealed a landmark agreement for the construction of 87 new vessels, in what industry executives are calling one of the largest single newbuilding commitments in recent history.
Under a cooperation pact signed on 8 December 2025 in Shanghai, COSCO will partner exclusively with China State Shipbuilding Corporation (CSSC) to execute the massive fleet expansion programme. Valued at around RMB 50 billion, the deal spans an extensive mix of ship types aimed at accelerating COSCO’s fleet modernisation and strengthening its competitive edge in global shipping markets.
CSSC’s network of shipyards will build a diverse portfolio of vessels, including ultra-large container ships, ultra-large bulk carriers, very large crude carriers (VLCCs), grain carriers, multi-purpose heavy-lift ships, medium-range (MR) tankers, small container vessels, and several other specialised units.
The agreement underscores China’s continued dominance in global shipbuilding and marks a strategic leap forward for COSCO as it positions itself for long-term growth across multiple maritime segments.
