BUSINESS

Chinese Shipbuilder Hengli to Invest $1.9 Billion to Beef Up Capacity

Published: Jan. 16, 2026 12:45 p.m. GMT+8

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Hengli’s industrial park in Dalian. Photo: VCG

Chinese shipbuilder Hengli Heavy Industry plans to invest 13.5 billion yuan ($1.9 billion) in a project designed to increase its manufacturing capacity to meet growing demand.

Under the project located in the northeastern coastal city of Dalian, Hengli will allocate roughly 10 billion yuan for a green and smart high-end vessel manufacturing plant, with the remaining capital used to construct land-based production facilities, including a curved hull block workshop and a pre-outfitting workshop.

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Hengli Heavy Industry plans a 13.5 billion yuan ($1.9 billion) investment in Dalian to expand shipbuilding capacity by 4.6 million DWT annually.
The project includes a green, smart vessel plant and new workshops; current orders total 176 vessels (28 million DWT), ranked first globally.
Founded just over three years ago, Hengli’s annual capacity may reach 20 million DWT, becoming the world’s largest single hull ship maker.

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Who’s Who

Hengli Heavy Industry: Hengli Heavy Industry, a Chinese shipbuilder, plans a $1.9 billion expansion in Dalian to increase manufacturing capacity. This project, which includes a green and smart high-end vessel manufacturing plant, will add 4.6 million DWT annually. Already having the world's largest order book (28 million DWT across 176 vessels) and an annual capacity of 14 million DWT, this expansion will make Hengli the world's largest single hull ship maker, with nearly 20 million DWT capacity.

Clarkson Research Services: Clarkson Research Services is a maritime consultancy that reported data on shipbuilding orders. As of early January 2026, they indicated that Hengli Heavy Industry held orders for 176 vessels, totaling approximately 28 million DWT, which ranked them first globally.

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