China has completed the conversion of a Kamsarmax bulker into a 3,600 TEU containership, marking the largest project of its kind, reports Fort Lauderdale's Maritime Executive.

The six-month project involved the 2012-built Chang Xin 66, a Kuangchi Delta bulker designed by Finland's Deltamarin. The vessel underwent extensive structural modifications, including a redesigned cargo hold layout and the installation of a container lashing system.

The work was carried out at Zhoushan Xinya Shipbuilding & Repair under the supervision of the China Classification Society, which described the effort as a breakthrough with high technical barriers. The ship was renamed Guang Qi De Er Ta and now has a capacity of 3,600 TEU.

The conversion included the optimization of the ship's systems for its new role. CCS stated that its team was involved from planning through construction, providing proactive support throughout the process.

Shipping companies have previously explored converting bulkers and tankers into containerships, with smaller projects reported during the pandemic. Another Chinese yard recently converted Handymax bulkers into 2,500 TEU containerships.

Analysts note that with containership demand at record levels and limited newbuilding capacity, large-scale conversions are gaining traction as a relatively quick way to meet market needs.