China’s trade with APEC economies has continued to expand this year, with shipbuilding emerging as a new highlight. One landmark deal between China and Canada is showcasing how green technology and RMB settlement are transforming APEC maritime cooperation. Our reporter Bi Ran has more. (TAKE PKG)
Shipbuilding has become a prime example of China’s leading high-technology export strength, particularly across the Asia-Pacific region. From technology upgrades to new financing models, China State Shipbuilding Corporation is helping chart the course of maritime growth across this region. In August this year, the world’s largest independent containership owner, Canada’s Seaspan Corporation, signed a contract with Hudong–Zhonghua Shipbuilding in Shanghai for the construction of twelve 9,000-TEU container vessels. The order was designed for conventional fuel and completed under a cross-border RMB settlement.
The 12 new vessels were built at the site behind me and mark a fresh milestone in China–Canada maritime cooperation and an innovation in Chinese shipping finance. Amid rising demand and environmental pressure, Seaspan’s partnership with Chinese firms such as CSSC reflects not only business strategy but also a shared commitment to Asia-Pacific prosperity and stability.
Globally, Hudong–Zhonghua Shipyard has continuously pursued technological breakthroughs, such as its fifth-generation LNG carriers, which feature the world’s best cargo-capacity ratio and are capable of transporting larger volumes of liquefied natural gas. And its products are exported to diverse markets such as the UAE, Singapore, Brazil, and countries across Europe.
TANG JIAN, Marine Engineer
Hudong-Zhonghua Shipbuilding, CSSC, A Singapore-based shipowner owns the vessel and has an LNG carrying capacity of about 174,000 cubic meters. Its Invar-type containment system has been successfully localized, marking a key milestone in China’s domestic LNG technology development.
In fact, over the past year, Seaspan has continued to expand its cooperation with Chinese shipyards, moving from 13,600-TEU vessels to 9,000-TEU orders.
WANG JIAYING, Director, Marketing Department, Hudong-Zhonghua Ship building, CSSC
Our design is fully tailored to the customer’s requirements from scale and energy efficiency to environmental performance and the project also benefits from a preferential loan rate, reflecting strong financial support.
China’s foreign trade with other APEC economies reached 19.41 trillion yuan in the first three quarters of 2025. High-tech products continue to drive this growth, with China’s imports and exports of high-tech goods both exceeding 2 trillion yuan. Economic cooperation remains a cornerstone of the China-APEC countries’ partnership. BI Ran, CGTN, Shanghai.
SOURCE: CGTN News