Chinese shipbuilding companies on Friday signed a contract in Shanghai with Canada's Seaspan Corporation, the world's largest independent container ship lessor, for the construction of six 13,600 TEU large container vessels.
The contract was signed by Hudong-Zhonghua Shipbuilding (Group) Co., Ltd., China Shipbuilding Trading Co., Ltd., and Seaspan Corporation. The contract is the largest shipbuilding order settled in RMB in China this year.
The 13,600 TEU large container vessel in the contract is a green and environmentally friendly container vessel developed and designed independently by Hudong-Zhonghua Shipbuilding (Group) Co., Ltd.
With a total length of around 336 meters and a width of 51 meters, it can accommodate a maximum of 14,132 standard containers and offer 2,000 reefer container slots.
The order is the third batch of a total of 15 large container vessels that Hudong-Zhonghua Shipbuilding (Group) Co., Ltd has undertaken this year. It is the first time that the contract is settled in China's currency, the renminbi (RMB), and it is also the largest single shipbuilding order that is settled in RMB for container vessels in China this year, marking a significant step towards advancing the internationalization of RMB.
The construction of the vessels are scheduled to be completed and delivered between 2026 and 2028.
Chinese shipbuilding companies sign large contract with Canadian corporation
Visiting Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said Saturday China is willing to work with Lesotho to strengthen exchanges on governance experience, enhance coordination in multilateral affairs, and advance the China-Lesotho strategic partnership.
Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, made the remarks when meeting with Lesotho Prime Minister Sam Matekane in the capital of Lesotho.
During the meeting, Wang congratulated Lesotho on the 60th anniversary of its independence this year, and spoke highly of Lesotho government's efforts to prioritize economic development and steer the African country onto a path of sustainable growth. Since the Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) in 2024, the two sides have advanced cooperation under the 10 partnership action plans unveiled at the summit, successfully implementing a number of key projects to effectively promote Lesotho's development and revitalization, Wang said.
China stands ready to work with Lesotho to strengthen exchanges on governance experience, enhance coordination in multilateral affairs, and push for greater development of the China-Lesotho strategic partnership, he added.
Calling on the two sides to firmly support each other, Wang said that China will accelerate the implementation of its zero-tariff policy for African countries, including Lesotho, expand bilateral trade, investment and industrial cooperation, facilitate broader access of Lesotho's specialty products to the Chinese market, and continue to support Lesotho's national development.
China will continue to stand firmly with African countries, uphold justice for the Global South, including Lesotho, oppose unilateralism and acts of bullying, and work together to build a community with a shared future for humanity, Wang said.
On his part, Matekane said during the meeting that Lesotho cherishes its friendship with China and the strategic partnership between the two countries, and expressed gratitude for China's valuable support for the development of African countries, including Lesotho.
Lesotho firmly adheres to the one-China principle and resolutely supports China in safeguarding its core interests, he said, noting that his country stands ready to strengthen strategic mutual trust with China, expand people-to-people exchanges, jointly implement the outcomes of the FOCAC Beijing Summit, and deepen cooperation in areas such as infrastructure, manufacturing and energy.
Matekane stressed that China's zero-tariff policy for African products will inject new impetus into Lesotho's development. He also expressed Lesotho's willingness to strengthen solidarity and cooperation with China on multilateral platforms such as BRICS to jointly address global challenges.
On the same day, Wang also held talks with Lejone Mpotjoana, minister of foreign affairs and international relations of Lesotho.
China, Lesotho to strengthen exchanges, advance cooperation
China, Lesotho to strengthen exchanges, advance cooperation
