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Delivered in Jiangmen, Guangdong province, the Sihang Yongsheng combines large-scale crane, offshore transport, and semi-submersible operation to support projects such as sea bridges, ports, wind farms, marine farms, and deep-water resource exploration
China has introduced the Sihang Yongsheng, a vessel equipped with a semi-submersible crane capable of lifting up to 2,200 metric tons when anchored. Delivered in Jiangmen, Guangdong province, the ship expands China’s infrastructure for offshore projects.
According to the newspaper cgtn, the vessel was built by Jiangmen Hengtong Shipbuilding, a subsidiary of CCCC Fourth Harbor Engineering Co., to combine the transport of large components and heavy lifting.
With a length of 110 meters, a width of 43.8 meters, and a deck of 4,800 square meters, the Sihang Yongsheng was designed to move large structures in maritime works. The transport capacity reaches 10,000 tons.
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Crane has a 149-meter boom and full rotation
The highlight of the ship is the fully rotatable articulated boom crane installed at the stern. The structure has a 149-meter boom and can lift loads to a height of 172.5 meters, comparable to a 50-story building.
When the vessel is anchored, the equipment can lift 2,200 metric tons at once, about 2,425 American tons. This makes the Sihang Yongsheng the largest fully rotatable semi-submersible crane ship in China in terms of lifting capacity.
The system can rotate 360 degrees while the ship remains anchored. This feature facilitates operations where large pieces need to be positioned precisely at sea, such as wind turbine foundations, steel structures, and bridge sections.
Ship can submerge to operate in semi-submersible mode
In addition to lifting, the Sihang Yongsheng transports heavy components to offshore areas. The deck supports structures of up to 10,000 metric tons, enhancing the logistics of projects with parts prepared on land.
The vessel can also completely submerge to operate in semi-submersible mode. This feature allows for the combination of transportation and offshore installation, an important function in projects that require stability, load, and controlled movement.
The expectation is that the ship will support the construction of bridges over the sea, ports, offshore wind farms, marine farms, and projects related to resource exploration in deep waters.
Intelligent system adjusts load and balance at sea
The Sihang Yongsheng received an intelligent load adjustment system that automatically checks the vessel’s conditions and maintains its balance without human intervention. The technology addresses recurring challenges in offshore construction.
Among these challenges are adverse working conditions at sea, limited lifting efficiency, and complex installation tasks. In such works, controlling weight, stability, and load positioning is a central part of the operation.
Huang Chenguang, chief engineer at CCCC Fourth Harbor Engineering’s Hengtong Shipbuilding yard, stated that the revolving crane and transportation features were designed to support the handling of large offshore structures during construction.
Experts point to impact on energy, oil, and infrastructure
Lin Boqiang, director of the Chinese Center for Energy Economics Research at Xiamen University, stated that larger engineering vessels allow for the execution of more types of offshore projects.
He cited offshore wind energy as an example. Many large platforms are assembled on land before being transported and installed at sea by large ships. Without sufficient tonnage and lifting capacity, these works would be hindered.
Lin also linked such vessels to the construction of offshore oil and gas platforms and underwater tunnels, areas that depend on equipment capable of transporting, stabilizing, and positioning heavy structures.
For the expert, building a vessel of this size does not just mean increasing the ship’s size. The process requires advances in integrated systems, propulsion, materials, and specialized manufacturing methods.
Chinese shipbuilding industry advances in scale and technology
The delivery of the Sihang Yongsheng comes at a time of growth for the Chinese shipbuilding industry. In the first quarter of 2026, the country’s ship production reached 15.68 million gross tons, equivalent to 17.3 million American tons.
The volume represented a 46% increase compared to the previous year. New orders reached 59.53 million gross tons, or 65.6 million American tons, nearly 85% of the global market.
For Lin Boqiang, the ability to build such vessels indicates the advancement of Chinese manufacturing towards more sophisticated and intelligent processes, with integration of the production chain, large-scale production, and a greater emphasis on technological innovation.
Article made with information from IE and CGTN.
