The new facility will include a 400,000-tonne dry dock, a 200,000-tonne dry dock, an 80,000-tonne floating dock, and seven berths. This infrastructure will allow the yard to service very large crude carriers (VLCCs), large containerships, and offshore units. Once operational, the facility is expected to repair and convert around 250 vessels and offshore units each year.
The project is led by COSCO Shipping Heavy Industry (Yangjiang), a wholly owned subsidiary established in April 2025 to drive the company’s South China expansion. The subsidiary aims to serve the global repair and conversion market, addressing the increasing demand for maintenance of larger ships and offshore engineering assets.
In addition to the Yangjiang project, COSCO has signed an investment cooperation framework with Tianjin Port Free Trade Zone to develop another large-scale repair and conversion base. This site will feature three docks and seven berths, further expanding COSCO’s service capacity.
Known as a leading player in FPSO conversions and the country’s “ship repair carrier,” COSCO Shipping Heavy Industry currently operates nine mid- to large-sized shipyards. Its network handles over 1,500 vessel repairs and conversions annually, in addition to newbuild construction, offshore engineering units, and modules.
The expansion reflects COSCO’s strategic focus on growing its presence in the ship repair and offshore engineering sector, enhancing its ability to serve both domestic and international markets with advanced facilities capable of accommodating larger vessels and complex offshore projects.
Through these investments, COSCO Shipping Heavy Industry aims to strengthen its operational efficiency, increase capacity, and maintain its leadership in global ship repair and conversion services while supporting the growing demand for offshore engineering solutions.
The new Yangjiang yard, together with the Tianjin Port development, positions COSCO to handle a wider range of vessels and offshore units, ensuring timely maintenance and conversion services for international shipping and energy clients.
Overall, the company’s strategic expansions reinforce its role as a major contributor to the global maritime and offshore engineering industry, offering state-of-the-art facilities and comprehensive service capabilities.
