China's Xinneng Shipbuilding has delivered four newly built 2,000-deadweight-ton (DWT) bulk carriers to Tanzania, marking the completion of its first overseas inland vessel project. The vessels, part of the "Jinhang" series and built for Zijin Mining Group, were officially handed over on 20 Jul 2026 at the Kigoma Cargo Terminal in Tanzania. The delivery ceremony was attended by Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan and Chinese Ambassador Chen Mingjian, underscoring the project's significance for regional trade and China-Africa cooperation.
The contract, signed in late 2024 and valued at over US$10 million, involved the design and construction of the four bulk carriers intended to facilitate cargo transport across Lake Tanganyika. This route connects Tanzania with neighboring countries including the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Burundi. Prior to formal delivery, the lead vessel, Jinhang 1, successfully completed a maiden round voyage carrying 1,000 tonnes of lithium ore from Karema Port to the Democratic Republic of the Congo. To address logistical challenges of inland African shipbuilding, Xinneng employed modular construction, prefabricating hull sections in China and assembling them in Tanzania. This approach ensured high quality and reduced on-site construction time, with the vessels launched ahead of schedule. Inspections by Zijin Mining Group, China Classification Society, and Tanzania Shipping Agencies Corporation confirmed compliance with delivery standards. The project highlights Xinneng Shipbuilding's expanding international footprint and China's inland shipbuilding capabilities supporting Belt and Road infrastructure in Africa.
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Shandong Xinneng Shipbuilding Co., Ltd
