Recently, Shanghai Chengxi Shipbuilding Co., Ltd.’s Chengxi Shipyard successfully delivered the 74,000-ton self-unloading vessel “Agsey,†which was modified by Canadian Steamship Company (CSL). This project not only highlights the technical capabilities of Chengxi Shipyard but also solidifies a long-term partnership between the shipyard and CSL. The successful completion of this complex modification marks a significant milestone in the company’s history.
The Agsey is a re-fitted version of the earlier ship "Nayong," a single-hull tanker that had been in service for over two decades. Due to regulations from the International Maritime Organization (IMO), which banned single-hull tankers from carrying heavy oils like crude oil and fuel oil starting April 5, 2005, CSL decided to convert the "Nayong" into a self-unloading bulk carrier.
Two years prior, CSL had successfully commissioned the "Oriental," another self-unloading vessel, at Chengxi Shipyard. Despite the relatively small scale of that project, the shipyard’s expertise and high-quality craftsmanship made a strong impression on the client. When it came time to refit the "Nayong," CSL remembered the positive experience and reached out to Chengxi again, showing trust in their capabilities.
Modifying such a large self-unloading bulk carrier presented unique challenges. There were no previous examples to follow, and the complexity of the technology involved made the project highly risky. The team at Chengxi faced multiple obstacles during the process.
First, the launching of the new section posed a major challenge. The newly built segment weighed around 11,000 tons and had to be launched using a unique method known as the “ship-to-drain†approach, which had never been used in China before. Engineers conducted extensive calculations and tests to ensure safety. They developed several launching techniques, including water pressure on the platform, and ultimately succeeded in executing the operation flawlessly.
Next, the docking process in the floating dock was equally challenging. The old and new sections together exceeded 200 meters in length, and the narrow space required precise coordination. Any misalignment could compromise the structural integrity of the ship. To address this, the shipyard minimized gaps, reduced segmentation, and reinforced the dock with dozens of support pipes. Special docking devices were also installed, and the alignment was fine-tuned to ensure accuracy.
Finally, the installation of the self-unloading system was another critical challenge. The ship’s large cargo hold resembled a funnel, with tight tolerances for the hydraulic-controlled doors—no more than 3 mm. The conveyor belt also needed to be precisely aligned. With the help of the shipowner and equipment suppliers, all technical issues were resolved through collaborative efforts.
To complete the project, the staff at Chengxi Shipyard worked tirelessly. The project was treated as a top priority, with a dedicated team and leadership overseeing every step. Employees worked day and night, even sacrificing holidays, to ensure the quality and precision of the work. Their dedication paid off, and the “Agsey†was delivered successfully.
The success of the project earned high praise from CSL. Before the Agsey was even delivered, CSL signed a second contract for another 74,000-ton ship conversion and assigned six more self-unloading vessels for repairs at Chengxi Shipyard. This achievement not only strengthens the company’s reputation but also opens up new opportunities for future growth.
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