CSSC Chengxi Shipbuilding Co., Ltd., a member unit of ICNAME and a subsidiary of China State Shipbuilding Corporation Limited, has delivered the world’s first independently developed 41,800-ton bidirectional self-unloading vessel, marking a major achievement in high-end specialized shipbuilding and offshore transshipment equipment.

Named WONTANARA, the vessel will serve the Simandou iron ore project in Guinea, West Africa. As a core transshipment platform between shallow-water terminals and deep-water anchorages, the vessel is designed to improve the efficiency of iron ore transfer and support the stable operation of one of the world’s most important undeveloped iron ore resources.

The successful delivery of WONTANARA represents a significant technological breakthrough in the field of self-unloading transshipment vessels. The vessel sets three world records: it is the world’s largest shallow-water transshipment self-unloading vessel by deadweight, the fastest professional self-unloading vessel in terms of unloading capacity, and the first self-unloading transshipment vessel of its tonnage class capable of bidirectional navigation.

With an overall length of 215 metres, a beam of 42 metres, a depth of 14.5 metres, and a design draught of 7.5 metres, WONTANARA has a deadweight capacity of 41,800 tonnes and a cargo hold volume of approximately 29,000 cubic metres. The vessel is classed by DNV and adopts a double-hull and double-bottom high-strength protective structure, together with an all-diesel-electric propulsion system.

One of the vessel’s most important technological highlights is its advanced self-unloading system. Equipped with two independent C-type lifting mechanisms, the vessel can achieve a total unloading capacity of up to 12,000 tonnes per hour when both systems operate simultaneously. It is also fitted with two reversible longitudinal conveyor belts at the bottom of the cargo hold, enabling flexible single-side or double-side unloading according to operational requirements.

Two telescopic unloading arms are installed on the starboard side, one forward and one aft, with an operating radius ranging from 32.5 metres to 45.5 metres. This allows the vessel to accurately connect with the cargo holds of ocean-going bulk carriers during transshipment operations. At full capacity, one cargo load of iron ore can be unloaded in less than 3.5 hours, greatly improving port-to-anchorage transfer efficiency.

The vessel’s bidirectional navigation capability is another major innovation. Designed for frequent short-distance operations between shallow-water terminals and deep-water anchorages, WONTANARA adopts a wide-beam, shallow-draught hull form and is equipped with five azimuth thrusters. This configuration enables the vessel to operate efficiently in narrow and shallow waters, improve berthing and unberthing performance, and reduce dependence on tug assistance.

For CSSC Chengxi, the delivery of WONTANARA is the result of nearly three decades of accumulated expertise in the repair, conversion, construction, and independent development of self-unloading vessels. From early conversion projects to today’s globally leading self-unloading transshipment vessel, the company has built strong capabilities across multiple self-unloading technologies and has become a leading player in this specialized market.

This achievement demonstrates the innovation capacity of ICNAME member units in advanced ship design, complex system integration, intelligent transshipment equipment, and specialized offshore engineering vessels. It also reflects the growing role of Chinese shipbuilders in providing high-performance marine equipment for major international resource and infrastructure projects.

The delivery of WONTANARA is not only an important milestone for CSSC Chengxi, but also a representative example of how ICNAME members are contributing to global maritime engineering, efficient ocean transportation, and the development of high-end marine equipment.

Original Source: China State Shipbuilding Corporation Limited / CSSC Chengxi Shipbuilding Co., Ltd.
Suggested Image Caption: The 41,800-ton bidirectional self-unloading vessel WONTANARA, built by ICNAME member CSSC Chengxi, will support iron ore transshipment operations for the Simandou project in Guinea, West Africa. Photo credit: CSSC Chengxi.