On 26 Jun 2026, China Railway Baoji Bridge Group Co., Ltd. (CRBBG) began construction on a 73,000-dwt self-propelled deck carrier, marking its entry into the shipbuilding supply chain. The vessel, with an LOA of 256 metres and breadth of 62 metres, is the world’s largest conventional self-propelled deck carrier of its type. CRBBG, traditionally known for heavy steel structures and bridges, is responsible for manufacturing the hull blocks of the cargo-hold section. This area is divided into 11 ring sections and 110 hull blocks, with the largest block measuring 13m × 13m × 7m and weighing up to 190 tonnes. This development reflects a broader trend in China’s shipbuilding industry, where external heavy-manufacturing companies are increasingly involved in hull block fabrication due to tight yard capacities and large orderbooks. CRBBG’s role exemplifies the expanding shipbuilding supply chain beyond traditional shipyards.