jiangsu rongsheng heavy industries group made in china

Another once-leading privately-owned yard China Huarong Energy Company, previously and better known as China Rongsheng Heavy Industries, continues to struggle with debts and ongoing talks with its creditors. The shipbuilder with huge yard facilities is now literally a �ghost yard�, where operations have ceased as funds dried up.

Jiangsu Rongsheng Heavy Industries Group Co. used to employ more than 30,000 people in the eastern city of Rugao. Once China�s largest shipbuilder, by 2015 Rongsheng was on the verge of bankruptcy. Orders had dried up and banks are refusing credit. Questions have been raised about the shipyard�s business practices, including allegations of padded order books. And Rongsheng was apparently behind on repaying some of the 20.4 billion yuan in combined debt owed to 14 banks, three trusts and three leasing firms.

Rongsheng is on the ropes now that it had completed a multi-year order for so-called Valemax ships for the Brazilian iron ore mining giant Companhia Vale do Rio Doce. The last of these 16 bulk carriers, the Ore Ningbo, was delivered in January 2015. With a carrying capacity of up to 400,000 tons, Valemaxes are the world�s largest ore carriers. Vale hired Rongsheng to build the ships starting in 2008, and has tolerated the shipyard�s slow pace: The Ore Ningbo was delivered three years late. Rongsheng employees said the Ore Ningbo may have been the shipyard�s last product because no new ship orders are expected and all contracts for unfinished ships have either been canceled or are in jeopardy.

Founder and former chairman Zhang Zhirong started the company in 2005 with money made when he worked as a property developer in the 1990s. The new shipyard stunned the industry by clinching major vessel orders from the start, even at a time when most of the world�s shipyards were slumping. Rongsheng�s success attracted investors and banks to the company�s side, fueling its expansion.

The shipyard, a sprawling facility spread across one-third of Changqingsha Island in the middle of the Yangtze River, suffered from a lack of capacity and management problems. As a result, the company had trouble meeting its contract obligations, including delivery timetables. Rongsheng�s problems were tied to difficulties with delivering ships. Many of Rongsheng�s order cancellations were due to its own delivery delays.

After the global financial crisis of 2008, many ship owners could no longer afford paying in advance for new vessels. So builders such as Rongsheng started arranging up-front financing with Chinese banks that got projects off the ground.

Rongsheng built ships with a combined capacity of 8 million tons in 2010 and was preparing to begin filling US$ 3 billion in new orders the following year. But the company�s 2011 orders wound up totaling only US$ 1.8 billion. That same year, Rongsheng�s customers canceled contracts for 23 new vessels.

In 2012, Rongsheng received orders for only two ships. Layoffs ensued, with some 20,000 workers getting the axe. The company closed the year with a net loss of 573 million yuan, down from a 1.7 billion yuan net profit in 2011 and despite 1.27 billion yuan in government subsidies. The bleeding worsened in 2013, with 8.7 billion yuan in reported losses. Despite a recovery of the Chinese shipbuilding industry in 2014, Rongsheng saw no relief, as its clients canceled orders for 59 vessels that year.

Roxen Shipping, a company controlled by Chinese businessman Guan Xiong, reportedly stepped in to rescue some US$ 2 billion worth of ship contracts that were canceled by Rongsheng�s other customers. Without these orders, Rongsheng never would have maintained its status as the No. 1 shipbuilder in China from 2009 to 2013.

Rongsheng�s capital crunch worsened since February 2014, when the China Development Bank (CDB) demanded more collateral after the company failed to make a scheduled payment on a 710 million yuan loan. When Rongsheng refused, the CDB called the loan. Other banks that issued loans to the shipbuilder had taken similar steps.

Rongsheng�s weak financial position was highlighted by a third-quarter 2014 financial report in which the company posted a net loss of 2.4 billion yuan. It also reported 31.3 billion yuan in liabilities, including 7.6 billion yuan worth of outstanding short-term debt.

It would cost at least 5 billion yuan to restart operations at Rongsheng�s facility, plus they have a huge amount of debt. Buying Rongsheng would not be a good deal.

RUGAO, China/SINGAPORE (Reuters) - Deserted flats and boarded-up shops in the Yangtze river town of Changqingcun serve as a blunt reminder of the area"s reliance on China Rongsheng Heavy Industries Group, the country"s biggest private shipbuilder.A view of the Rongsheng Heavy Industries shipyard is seen in Nantong, Jiangsu province December 4, 2013. REUTERS/Aly Song

The shipbuilder this week predicted a substantial annual loss, just months after appealing to the government for financial help as it reeled from industry overcapacity and shrinking orders. Rongsheng lost an annual record 572.6 million yuan ($92 million) last year, and lost 1.3 billion yuan in the first half of this year.

While Beijing seems intent to promote a shift away from an investment-heavy model, with companies reliant on government cash injections, some analysts say Rongsheng is too big for China to let fail.

Local media reported in July that Rongsheng had laid off as many as 8,000 workers as demand slowed. Three years ago, the company had about 20,000 staff and contract employees. This week, the shipbuilder said an unspecified number of workers had been made redundant this year.

“Without new orders it’s hard to see how operations can continue,” said one worker wearing oil-spattered overalls and a Rongsheng hardhat, adding he was still waiting to be paid for September. He didn’t want to give his name as he feared he could lose his job.

“Morale in the office is quite low, since we don’t know what is the plan,” said a Rongsheng executive, who declined to be named as he is not authorized to speak to the media. “We have been getting orders but can’t seem to get construction loans from banks to build these projects.”

While Rongsheng has won just two orders this year, state-backed rival Shanghai Waigaoqiao Shipbuildinghas secured 50, according to shipbroker data. Singapore-listed Yangzijiang Shipbuildinghas won more than $1 billion in new orders and is moving into offshore jack-up rig construction, noted Jon Windham, head industrials analyst at Barclays in Hong Kong.

Frontline, a shipping company controlled by Norwegian business tycoon John Fredriksen, ordered two oil tankers from Rongsheng in 2010 for delivery earlier this year. It now expects to receive both of them in 2014, Frontline CEO Jens Martin Jensen told Reuters.

Greek shipowner DryShips Inchas also questioned whether other large tankers on order will be delivered. DryShips said Rongsheng is building 43 percent of the Suezmax vessels - tankers up to 200,000 deadweight tons - in the current global order book. That"s equivalent to 23 ships, according to Rongsheng data.

Speaking at a quarterly results briefing last month, DryShips Chief Financial Officer Ziad Nakhleh said Rongsheng was “a yard that, as we stated before, is facing difficulties and, as such, we believe there is a high probability they will not be delivered.” DryShips has four dry cargo vessels on order at the Chinese firm.

Rongsheng declined to comment on the Dryships order, citing client confidentiality. “For other orders on hand, our delivery plan is still ongoing,” a spokesman said.

At least two law firms in Shanghai and Singapore are acting for shipowners seeking compensation from Rongsheng for late or cancelled orders. “I’m now dealing with several cases against Rongsheng,” said Lawrence Chen, senior partner at law firm Wintell & Co in Shanghai.

Billionaire Zhang Zhirong, who founded Rongsheng in 2005 and is the shipyard"s biggest shareholder, last month announced plans to privatize Hong Kong-listed Glorious Property Holdingsin a HK$4.57 billion ($589.45 million) deal - a move analysts said could raise money to plug Rongsheng"s debts.

Meanwhile, Rongsheng’s shipyard woes have already pushed many people away from nearby centers, and others said they would have to go if things don’t pick up. Some said they hoped the local government might step in with financial support.

The Rugao government did not respond to requests for comment on whether it would lend financial or other support to Rongsheng. Annual reports show Rongsheng has received state subsidies in the past three years.

Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing Limited and The Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Limited take no responsibility for the contents of this announcement, make no representation as to its accuracy or completeness and expressly disclaim any liability whatsoever for any loss howsoever arising from or in reliance upon the whole or any part of the contents of this announcement. CHINA RONGSHENG HEAVY INDUSTRIES GROUP HOLDINGS LIMITED

(Incorporated in the Cayman Islands with limited liability) (Stock Code: 01101) LITIGATION INVOLVING JIANGSU RONGSHENG HEAVY INDUSTRIES

The Company would like to announce that Jiangsu Rongsheng Heavy Industries has recently received a copy of the written verdict from the Supreme People"s Court ( 最高人民法院 )

By Order of the Board China Rongsheng Heavy Industries Group Holdings Limited LEE Man Yee Company Secretary

(Bloomberg) — China Rongsheng Heavy Industries Group Holdings Ltd., which hasn’t announced any 2012 ship orders, may find winning deals even harder as a company owned by its billionaire chairman faces an insider-trading probe.

Rongsheng, based in Shanghai, has tumbled 87 percent since a November 2010 initial public offering because of concerns about delivery delays and a global slump in ship orders caused by a glut of vessels. The shipbuilder, which operates facilities in Jiangsu and Anhui provinces, also said yesterday that first- half profit probably dropped “significantly” because of falling prices and slowing orders.

The probe won’t affect day-to-day operations run by Chief Executive Officer Chen Qiang, as Chairman Zhang only has a non- executive role, Rongsheng said in a statement yesterday. Zhang wasn’t available for comment yesterday, according to Doris Chung, public relations manager at Glorious Property Holdings Ltd., a developer he controls.

Chen isn’t aware of Zhang’s personal business dealings and he has no plans to leave Rongsheng, he said yesterday by text message in reply to Bloomberg News questions. The CEO may help reassure potential customers as he is well-known among shipowners, said Lawrence Li, an analyst at UOB Kay Hian Holdings Ltd.

Zhang owns 46 percent of Rongsheng and 64 percent of Glorious Property, according to data compiled by Bloomberg. The developer dropped 1.7 percent to close at HK$1.16 in Hong Kong today after falling 11 percent yesterday. Zhang’s listed holdings are worth about $1.2 billion, according to data compiled by Bloomberg.

Zhang, who holds a Master’s of Business Administration degree from Asia Macau International Open University, started in building materials and construction subcontracting before getting into real estate. Construction of his first project, in Shanghai, began in 1996, according to Glorious Property’s IPO prospectus. He got into shipbuilding after discussing the idea with Chen at a Shanghai Young Entrepreneurs’ Association event in 2001, according to Rongsheng’s sale document. He formed the company that grew into Rongsheng three years later.

“People in his hometown think Zhang is a legend as he expanded two companies in different sectors so quickly,” said Ji Fenghua, chairman of Nantong Mingde Group, a shipyard located next to Rongsheng’s facility in Nantong city, Jiangsu province. The billionaire maintains a low profile, said Ji, who has never seen him at meetings organized by the local government.

Rongsheng raised HK$14 billion in its 2010 IPO, selling shares at HK$8 each. The company’s market value has fallen by about $6.1 billion to $1 billion, based on data compiled by Bloomberg.

Rongsheng, which also makes engines and excavators, had outstanding orders for 98 ships as of June 2012, according to Clarkson. It employed 7,046 people at the end of last year, according to its annual report. The shipbuilder has built a pipe-laying vessel for Cnooc and it has a strategic cooperation agreement with the energy company.

(Bloomberg) — China Rongsheng Heavy Industries Group Holdings Ltd., the shipbuilder whose woes made it a symbol of the country’s credit binge, said it planned to sell assets to an unidentified Chinese acquirer.

The company intends to sell the core assets and liabilities of its onshore shipbuilding and offshore engineering businesses, according to a statement to the Hong Kong exchange Monday. Rongsheng’s shares, which were halted March 11, will resume trading on March 17.

Once China’s largest shipbuilder outside government control, Shanghai-based Rongsheng has been searching for funds after orders for new ships dried up and the company fell behind on principal and interest payments on 8.57 billion yuan ($1.4 billion) of bank loans. Rongsheng’s struggles illustrate the difficulties shipbuilders face in competing with state-owned yards that have government backing and easier access to funds.

Rongsheng and the proposed buyer have entered into an exclusivity period while assets and liabilities are valued, according to the statement. The agreement will expire on June 30, the company said.

Rongsheng said March 5 it wouldn’t proceed with a proposed warrant sale after Kingwin Victory Investment Ltd. owner Wang Ping — a potential investor who had pledged as much as HK$3.2 billion ($412 million) — was said to have been detained.

Yangzijiang Shipbuilding Holdings Ltd. said previously it had been approached by China’s government about buying a stake in Rongsheng, and that no decision had been made. Yangzijiang Chief Financial Officer Liu Hua said today that the company isn’t involved in the agreement announced by Rongsheng, according to the company’s external representative.

Rongsheng has sought help from the government to benefit from a rebound in China’s shipbuilding industry — the world’s second biggest — after cutting its workforce and running up debts amid a global downturn in orders.

In September, the government responded by listing Rongsheng’s Jiangsu shipyard unit among 51 shipbuilding facilities in China deemed worthy of policy support as the industry grapples with overcapacity.

Some of Rongsheng’s subsidiaries, including Hefei Rong An Power Machinery Co. and Rongsheng Machinery Co., signed agreements with domestic lenders, led by Shanghai Pudong Development Bank, to extend debt repayments to the end of 2015, the company said in October.

The No 4 dock at Jiangsu Rongsheng Heavy Industries Co Ltd"s Nantong shipbuilding base on May 26, 2012. With a dimension of 139.5*580m，the dock is equipped with a 1600-T gantry crane, the world"s largest. [Photo/chinadaily.com.cn]

China Rongsheng Heavy Industries Group Holdings Ltd, the nation"s largest private shipbuilder, may seek "cooperation with one or two ship builders" in 2013 or 2014, grasping the opportunity emerging from an industry recession, according to Xu Yifei, assistant president of Jiangsu Rongsheng.

In response to this round of recession, Rongsheng has been actively upgrading technology and design. It has also put more focus on the offshore engineering sector to further diversify its business.

Rongsheng is setting up its offshore engineering company in Singapore, aiming to take advantage of Singapore"s technology and existing market to deepen its penetration in the global offshore engineering market, according to Xu.

The company entered the marine engineering sector years ago. China"s first deepwater pipe-laying crane vessel, known as Hai Yang Shi You 201, was built by Rongsheng. The vessel can lay pipes at depths of 3000 meters and lift 4000 metric tons and will operate at the South China Sea"s Liwan 3-1 gas field.

Rongsheng"s president, Chen Qiang, said in an earlier interview that he hoped orders from marine engineering will make up about 40 percent of the company"s new orders this year.

RM2CY8K6W–Labourers work at a Rongsheng Heavy Industries shipyard in Nantong, Jiangsu province May 21, 2012. The global shipping market, battered for the past few years by a severe downturn, will likely improve from the second half of this year, said an executive with major shipbuilder China Rongsheng Heavy Industries Group Holdings on Monday. REUTERS/Aly Song (CHINA - Tags: MARITIME BUSINESS CONSTRUCTION COMMODITIES)

RM2CXEFJ0–A view of the Rongsheng Heavy Industries shipyard is seen in Nantong, Jiangsu province December 4, 2013. Deserted flats and boarded-up shops in the Yangtze river town of Changqingcun serve as a blunt reminder of the area"s reliance on China Rongsheng Heavy Industries Group, the country"s biggest private shipbuilder. Picture taken December 4, 2013. REUTERS/Aly Song (CHINA - Tags: BUSINESS EMPLOYMENT SOCIETY)

RMW96H39–--File--View of an exhibition hall at the headquarters of Rongsheng Heavy Industries Group in Nantong, east Chinas Jiangsu province, 4 November 2010.

RM2HMPEWX–Zhangjiakou, China"s Hebei Province. 11th Feb, 2022. Liu Rongsheng of China competes during cross-country skiing men"s 15km classic at National Cross-Country Skiing Centre in Zhangjiakou, north China"s Hebei Province, Feb. 11, 2022. Credit: Hu Huhu/Xinhua/Alamy Live News

RMW92M88–--FILE--The stand of Rongsheng Heavy Industries is seen during an exhibition in Shanghai, China, 29 November 2011. Rongsheng Heavy Industries, whose

RMW95J26–--FILE--Zhang Zhirong, Chairman of Glorious Property Holdings Limited and Chairman of Rongsheng Heavy Industries Group Holdings Ltd., attends a ground

RMW961RD–--FILE--View of the stand of Rongsheng Heavy Industries during an exhibition in Shanghai, China, 29 November 2011. China Rongsheng Heavy Industries

RMW95HXC–--FILE--Visitors look at the machines of Anhui Rongan Heavy Industry, the subsidiary of China Rongsheng Heavy Industries Group Holdings Ltd in an Expo

RM2CWMP5X–A vacant dormitory is seen at the Rongsheng community in Nantong, Jiangsu province December 4, 2013. Deserted flats and boarded-up shops in the Yangtze river town of Changqingcun serve as a blunt reminder of the area"s reliance on China Rongsheng Heavy Industries Group, the country"s biggest private shipbuilder. Picture taken December 4, 2013. REUTERS/Aly Song (CHINA - Tags: BUSINESS EMPLOYMENT SOCIETY)

RM2HMPDMD–Zhangjiakou, China"s Hebei Province. 11th Feb, 2022. Liu Rongsheng of China passes the finish line during cross-country skiing men"s 15km classic at National Cross-Country Skiing Centre in Zhangjiakou, north China"s Hebei Province, Feb. 11, 2022. Credit: Mu Yu/Xinhua/Alamy Live News

RM2HKYKWJ–Zhangjiakou, China"s Hebei Province. 6th Feb, 2022. Liu Rongsheng (C) of China competes during Cross-Country Skiing Men"s 15km 15km Skiathlon at National Cross-Country Skiing Centre in Zhangjiakou, north China"s Hebei Province, Feb. 6, 2022. Credit: Hu Huhu/Xinhua/Alamy Live News

RMW95J09–--FILE--Visitors look at the machines of Anhui Rongan Heavy Industry, the subsidiary of China Rongsheng Heavy Industries Group Holdings Ltd in an Expo

RMW96KRG–--File--Visitors are seen in the exhibition hall at the headquarters of Rongsheng Heavy Industries Group in Nantong, east Chinas Jiangsu province, 4 N

RM2D0PB6A–A closed police station is seen at the Rongsheng community in Nantong, Jiangsu province December 4, 2013. Deserted flats and boarded-up shops in the Yangtze river town of Changqingcun serve as a blunt reminder of the area"s reliance on China Rongsheng Heavy Industries Group, the country"s biggest private shipbuilder. Picture taken December 4, 2013. REUTERS/Aly Song (CHINA - Tags: BUSINESS EMPLOYMENT SOCIETY CRIME LAW)

RM2HKYJWB–Zhangjiakou, China"s Hebei Province. 6th Feb, 2022. Liu Rongsheng (R) of China competes during Cross-Country Skiing Men"s 15km 15km Skiathlon at National Cross-Country Skiing Centre in Zhangjiakou, north China"s Hebei Province, Feb. 6, 2022. Credit: Mu Yu/Xinhua/Alamy Live News

RMW96KTG–--FILE--People visit the headquarters of Rongsheng Heavy Industries in Nantong city, east Chinas Jiangsu province, 4 November 2010. Shipbuilder Chin

RMW92M7G–--FILE--A Chinese employee poses at the stand of Rongsheng Heavy Industries during an exhibition in Shanghai, China, 29 November 2011. Rongsheng Hea

RM2CYH4T9–Workers ride a motorcycle past closed restaurants at the Rongsheng community in Nantong, Jiangsu province December 4, 2013. Deserted flats and boarded-up shops in the Yangtze river town of Changqingcun serve as a blunt reminder of the area"s reliance on China Rongsheng Heavy Industries Group, the country"s biggest private shipbuilder. Picture taken December 4, 2013. REUTERS/Aly Song (CHINA - Tags: BUSINESS EMPLOYMENT SOCIETY)

RM2HKYWMC–Zhangjiakou, China"s Hebei Province. 6th Feb, 2022. Liu Rongsheng of China competes during Cross-Country Skiing Men"s 15km 15km Skiathlon at National Cross-Country Skiing Centre in Zhangjiakou, north China"s Hebei Province, Feb. 6, 2022. Credit: Liu Chan/Xinhua/Alamy Live News

RMW961KH–--FILE--A Chinese employee poses at the stand of Rongsheng Heavy Industries during an exhibition in Shanghai, China, 29 November 2011. China Rongshe

RMW8CJA6–--FILE--A netizen browses the Chinese website of Rongsheng Heavy Industries in Liaocheng city, east China"s Shandong province, 3 July 2013. Chinese

RMW8YJ5G–--FILE--A ship is being built at the shipyard of Rongsheng Heavy Industries in Rugao, Nantong city, east Chinas Jiangsu province, 12 December 2013.

RM2D01WH0–A worker rides a bicycle inside of the Rongsheng Heavy Industries shipyard in Nantong, Jiangsu province December 4, 2013. Deserted flats and boarded-up shops in the Yangtze river town of Changqingcun serve as a blunt reminder of the area"s reliance on China Rongsheng Heavy Industries Group, the country"s biggest private shipbuilder. Picture taken December 4, 2013. REUTERS/Aly Song (CHINA - Tags: BUSINESS EMPLOYMENT SOCIETY)

RM2HKYH9T–Zhangjiakou, China"s Hebei Province. 6th Feb, 2022. Liu Rongsheng (front) of China competes during Cross-Country Skiing Men"s 15km 15km Skiathlon at National Cross-Country Skiing Centre in Zhangjiakou, north China"s Hebei Province, Feb. 6, 2022. Credit: Zhang Hongxiang/Xinhua/Alamy Live News

RMW8WYE1–--FILE--A signboard of Rongsheng is pictured at a shipyard of Rongsheng Heavy Industries in Rugao city, east Chinas Jiangsu province, 12 December 2013

RM2CXAAER–Workers ride motorcycles and bicycle after their shifts at an entrance of the Rongsheng Heavy Industries shipyard in Nantong, Jiangsu province December 4, 2013. Deserted flats and boarded-up shops in the Yangtze river town of Changqingcun serve as a blunt reminder of the area"s reliance on China Rongsheng Heavy Industries Group, the country"s biggest private shipbuilder. Picture taken December 4, 2013. REUTERS/Aly Song (CHINA - Tags: BUSINESS EMPLOYMENT SOCIETY)

RMW96KPW–--FILE--Chinese workers are building a ship at the shipyard of Rongsheng Heavy Industries in Nantong city, east Chinas Jiangsu province, 4 November 20

RMW91GDK–--FILE--A netizen browses the Chinese website of Rongsheng Heavy Industries in Liaocheng city, east Chinas Shandong province, 3 July 2013. China Ron

RM2HKYH4D–Zhangjiakou, China"s Hebei Province. 6th Feb, 2022. Liu Rongsheng (front) of China competes during Cross-Country Skiing Men"s 15km 15km Skiathlon at National Cross-Country Skiing Centre in Zhangjiakou, north China"s Hebei Province, Feb. 6, 2022. Credit: Guo Cheng/Xinhua/Alamy Live News

RM2CY7A2X–A worker rides a motorcycle on an empty street at the Rongsheng community in Nantong, Jiangsu province December 4, 2013. Deserted flats and boarded-up shops in the Yangtze river town of Changqingcun serve as a blunt reminder of the area"s reliance on China Rongsheng Heavy Industries Group, the country"s biggest private shipbuilder. Picture taken December 4, 2013. REUTERS/Aly Song (CHINA - Tags: BUSINESS EMPLOYMENT SOCIETY)

RM2CXP561–Chen Qiang, chief executive officer of China Rongsheng Heavy Industries, attends the naming ceremony of two Valemax ships built by Rongsheng Heavy Industries in Nantong, Jiangsu province, May 21, 2012. The global shipping market, battered for the past few years by a severe downturn, will likely improve from the second half of this year, said an executive with major shipbuilder China Rongsheng Heavy Industries Group Holdings on Monday. REUTERS/Aly Song (CHINA - Tags: BUSINESS COMMODITIES MARITIME TRANSPORT)

RMW91GEJ–--FILE--A netizen browses the Chinese website of Rongsheng Heavy Industries in Liaocheng city, east Chinas Shandong province, 3 July 2013. China Ron

RM2HKYH7D–Zhangjiakou, China"s Hebei Province. 6th Feb, 2022. Liu Rongsheng of China competes during Cross-Country Skiing Men"s 15km 15km Skiathlon at National Cross-Country Skiing Centre in Zhangjiakou, north China"s Hebei Province, Feb. 6, 2022. Credit: Mu Yu/Xinhua/Alamy Live News

RMW8YE7M–--FILE--View of a shipyard of Rongsheng Heavy Industries in Nantong city, east Chinas Jiangsu province, 24 May 2012. China Rongsheng Heavy Industrie

RM2HN07XA–Zhangjiakou, China"s Hebei Province. 13th Feb, 2022. Liu Rongsheng of China competes during the cross-country skiing men"s 4x10 km relay of the Beijing Winter Olympics at National Cross-Country Skiing Centre in Zhangjiakou, north China"s Hebei Province, Feb. 13, 2022. Credit: Hu Huhu/Xinhua/Alamy Live News

RM2CXEBAD–Claudio Alves, Global Marketing Director of Vale, World"s largest iron ore miner, attends the naming ceremony of two Valemax ships built by Rongsheng Heavy Industries in Nantong, Jiangsu province, May 21, 2012. The global shipping market, battered for the past few years by a severe downturn, will likely improve from the second half of this year, said an executive with major shipbuilder China Rongsheng Heavy Industries Group Holdings on Monday. REUTERS/Aly Song (CHINA - Tags: BUSINESS COMMODITIES MARITIME TRANSPORT)

RMW93H43–--FILE--Ships are being built at a shipyard of Rongsheng Heavy Industries in Nantong city, east Chinas Jiangsu province, 24 May 2012. China Rongshen

RM2HN0G5E–Zhangjiakou, China"s Hebei Province. 13th Feb, 2022. Liu Rongsheng of China competes during the cross-country skiing men"s 4x10 km relay of the Beijing Winter Olympics at National Cross-Country Skiing Centre in Zhangjiakou, north China"s Hebei Province, Feb. 13, 2022. Credit: Zhang Hongxiang/Xinhua/Alamy Live News

RM2CY9JR4–Claudio Alves, Global Marketing Director of Vale, World"s largest iron ore miner, attends the naming ceremony of two Valemax ships built by Rongsheng Heavy Industries in Nantong, Jiangsu province, May 21, 2012. The global shipping market, battered for the past few years by a severe downturn, will likely improve from the second half of this year, said an executive with major shipbuilder China Rongsheng Heavy Industries Group Holdings on Monday. REUTERS/Aly Song (CHINA - Tags: BUSINESS COMMODITIES MARITIME TRANSPORT)

RMW93H40–--FILE--Ships are being built at a shipyard of Rongsheng Heavy Industries in Nantong city, east Chinas Jiangsu province, 24 May 2012. China Rongshen

RM2HN20KG–Zhangjiakou, China"s Hebei Province. 13th Feb, 2022. Liu Rongsheng of China competes during the cross-country skiing men"s 4x10 km relay of the Beijing Winter Olympics at National Cross-Country Skiing Centre in Zhangjiakou, north China"s Hebei Province, Feb. 13, 2022. Credit: Liu Chan/Xinhua/Alamy Live News

RM2CXCXJB–VIP guests visit a 380,000 DWT class Very Large Ore Carrier (VLOC) during the naming ceremony of two Valemax ships built by Rongsheng Heavy Industries in Nantong, Jiangsu province May 21, 2012. The global shipping market, battered for the past few years by a severe downturn, will likely improve from the second half of this year, said an executive with major shipbuilder China Rongsheng Heavy Industries Group Holdings on Monday. REUTERS/Aly Song (CHINA - Tags: MARITIME BUSINESS COMMODITIES)

RMW93H3M–--FILE--Ships are being built at a shipyard of Rongsheng Heavy Industries in Nantong city, east Chinas Jiangsu province, 24 May 2012. China Rongshen

RM2HN0G8E–Zhangjiakou, China"s Hebei Province. 13th Feb, 2022. Liu Rongsheng of China competes during the cross-country skiing men"s 4x10 km relay of the Beijing Winter Olympics at National Cross-Country Skiing Centre in Zhangjiakou, north China"s Hebei Province, Feb. 13, 2022. Credit: Zhang Hongxiang/Xinhua/Alamy Live News

RM2CY9JR2–Workers stand in front of a 380,000 DWT class Very Large Ore Carrier (VLOC) during the naming ceremony of two Valemax ships built by Rongsheng Heavy Industries in Nantong, Jiangsu province May 21, 2012. The global shipping market, battered for the past few years by a severe downturn, will likely improve from the second half of this year, said an executive with major shipbuilder China Rongsheng Heavy Industries Group Holdings on Monday. REUTERS/Aly Song (CHINA - Tags: MARITIME BUSINESS COMMODITIES)

RMW93H6B–--FILE--Ships are being built at a shipyard of Rongsheng Heavy Industries in Nantong city, east Chinas Jiangsu province, 24 May 2012. China Rongshen

RM2HN2122–Zhangjiakou, China"s Hebei Province. 13th Feb, 2022. Liu Rongsheng of China competes during the cross-country skiing men"s 4x10 km relay of the Beijing Winter Olympics at National Cross-Country Skiing Centre in Zhangjiakou, north China"s Hebei Province, Feb. 13, 2022. Credit: Liu Chan/Xinhua/Alamy Live News

RMW8YE7R–--FILE--View of a shipyard of Rongsheng Heavy Industries in Nantong city, east Chinas Jiangsu province, 23 May 2012. A heavily indebted Chinese shi

RM2HMMKN4–Zhangjiakou, China"s Hebei Province. 11th Feb, 2022. Liu Rongsheng of China competes during cross-country skiing men"s 15km classic of Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics at National Cross-Country Skiing Centre in Zhangjiakou, north China"s Hebei Province, Feb. 11, 2022. Credit: Liu Chan/Xinhua/Alamy Live News

RM2HN211R–Zhangjiakou, China"s Hebei Province. 13th Feb, 2022. Liu Rongsheng pf China competes during the cross-country skiing men"s 4x10 km relay of the Beijing Winter Olympics at National Cross-Country Skiing Centre in Zhangjiakou, north China"s Hebei Province, Feb. 13, 2022. Credit: Deng Hua/Xinhua/Alamy Live News

RM2CWKEG9–Workers stand in front of a 380,000 DWT class Very Large Ore Carrier (VLOC) during the naming ceremony of two Valemax ships built by Rongsheng Heavy Industries in Nantong, Jiangsu province May 21, 2012. The global shipping market, battered for the past few years by a severe downturn, will likely improve from the second half of this year, said an executive with major shipbuilder China Rongsheng Heavy Industries Group Holdings on Monday. REUTERS/Aly Song (CHINA - Tags: MARITIME BUSINESS COMMODITIES)

RMW96MJM–--FILE--A shipbuilding plant of China Rongsheng Heavy Industries Group Holdings Ltd is seen in Nantong city, east Chinas Jiangsu province, 23 May 2012

RMW96KT6–--FILE--Chinese workers walk past the logo of China Rongsheng Heavy Industries Group Holdings Ltd in an office building in Nantong city, east Chinas A

RM2HN1YFX–Zhangjiakou, China"s Hebei Province. 13th Feb, 2022. Liu Rongsheng (R) of China competes during the cross-country skiing men"s 4x10 km relay of the Beijing Winter Olympics at National Cross-Country Skiing Centre in Zhangjiakou, north China"s Hebei Province, Feb. 13, 2022. Credit: Mu Yu/Xinhua/Alamy Live News

RMW93F2K–--FILE--Chinese workers queue up to board a bus at a shipyard of Rongsheng Heavy Industries in Rugao city, east Chinas Jiangsu province, 23 August 201

RMW93H3T–--FILE--Chinese employees work at a shipbuilding plant of Jiangsu Rongsheng Heavy Industries Group Co. ,Ltd. in Nantong, east Chinas Jiangsu province,

RMW98F60–53-year old Hang Rongsheng measures the model of the Yellow Crane Tower, made from toothpicks, in Shanghai, China, 22 August 2011. Hang Rongsheng, c

RMW933HF–--FILE--A sign board of China Citic Bank, subsidiary of China Citic Group is seen in Weifang, east Chinas Shandong province, 22 December 2012. Rongs

RMW938Y8–--FILE--A customer walks out of a branch of China Citic Bank, subsidiary of China Citic Group in Guangzhou city, southeast Chinas Guangdong province,

RM2CWXTEK–Workers stand in front of a 380,000 DWT class Very Large Ore Carrier (VLOC) during the naming ceremony of two Valemax ships built by Rongsheng Heavy Industries in Nantong, Jiangsu province May 21, 2012. The global shipping market, battered for the past few years by a severe downturn, will likely improve from the second half of this year, said an executive with major shipbuilder China Rongsheng Heavy Industries Group Holdings on Monday. REUTERS/Aly Song (CHINA - Tags: MARITIME BUSINESS COMMODITIES)

RMW92M4W–--FILE--Staff are seen at the stand of Jinhai Heavy Industry Co., during Marintec China in Shanghai, China, 29 November 2012. With orders for new

RM2CYTC7F–Chen Qiang, chief executive officer of China Rongsheng Heavy Industries, poses in an office after an interview with Reuters in Hong Kong July 19, 2011. China Rongsheng Heavy Industries Group Holdings Ltd, the country"s largest privately owned shipbuilder, will achieve or even exceed its $3 billion new order target in 2011, its chief executive officer, Qiang, said on Tuesday. To match interview RONGSHENG/ REUTERS/Tyrone Siu (CHINA - Tags: BUSINESS)

RMW91T3D–--FILE--A ship being built is seen at the shipyard of Jinhai Heavy Industry Co., on an island of Zhoushan Archipelago, southeast chinas Zhejiang provi

RM2HN0DAN–Zhangjiakou, China"s Hebei Province. 13th Feb, 2022. Liu Rongsheng (L) of China competes during the cross-country skiing men"s 4x10 km relay of the Beijing Winter Olympics at National Cross-Country Skiing Centre in Zhangjiakou, north China"s Hebei Province, Feb. 13, 2022. Credit: Wang Song/Xinhua/Alamy Live News

RM2HMN1WC–Zhangjiakou, North China"s Hebei Province. 11th Feb, 2022. Liu Rongsheng of China competes during the cross-country skiing men"s 15km classic of Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics at National Cross-Country Skiing Centre in Zhangjiakou, North China"s Hebei Province, Feb. 11, 2022. Credit: Deng Hua/Xinhua/Alamy Live News

RM2E65YM2–Chen Qiang, chief executive officer of China Rongsheng Heavy Industries, poses in an office after an interview with Reuters in Hong Kong July 19, 2011. China Rongsheng Heavy Industries Group Holdings Ltd, the country"s largest privately owned shipbuilder, will achieve or even exceed its $3 billion new order target in 2011, its chief executive officer, Qiang, said on Tuesday. To match interview RONGSHENG/ REUTERS/Tyrone Siu (CHINA - Tags: BUSINESS)

RM2HMN27W–Zhangjiakou, North China"s Hebei Province. 11th Feb, 2022. Liu Rongsheng of China competes during the cross-country skiing men"s 15km classic of Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics at National Cross-Country Skiing Centre in Zhangjiakou, North China"s Hebei Province, Feb. 11, 2022. Credit: Deng Hua/Xinhua/Alamy Live News

RM2D0R611–Chen Qiang, chief executive officer of China Rongsheng Heavy Industries, poses in a office after an interview with Reuters in Hong Kong July 19, 2011. China Rongsheng Heavy Industries Group Holdings Ltd, the country"s largest privately owned shipbuilder, will achieve or even exceed its $3 billion new order target in 2011, its chief executive officer, Qiang, said on Tuesday. To match interview RONGSHENG/ REUTERS/Tyrone Siu (CHINA - Tags: BUSINESS)

RM2CWWX07–A company logo is seen at the entrance of the Rongsheng Heavy Industries shipyard in Nantong, Jiangsu province December 4, 2013. China"s biggest private shipbuilder, China Rongsheng Heavy Industries Group, posted a second straight annual loss on March 31, 2014, as new orders were less than half its target, and is in talks with banks about loan repayments. Picture taken December 4, 2013. REUTERS/Aly Song (CHINA - Tags: BUSINESS MARITIME)

RM2HMN1W5–Zhangjiakou, North China"s Hebei Province. 11th Feb, 2022. Liu Rongsheng of China competes during the cross-country skiing men"s 15km classic of Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics at National Cross-Country Skiing Centre in Zhangjiakou, North China"s Hebei Province, Feb. 11, 2022. Credit: Deng Hua/Xinhua/Alamy Live News

RM2CXHEMX–Workers ride motorcycles and bicycles after their shifts at an entrance of the Rongsheng Heavy Industries shipyard in Nantong, Jiangsu province December 4, 2013. China"s biggest private shipbuilder, China Rongsheng Heavy Industries Group, posted a second straight annual loss on March 31, 2014, as new orders were less than half its target, and is in talks with banks about loan repayments. Picture taken December 4, 2013. REUTERS/Aly Song (CHINA - Tags: BUSINESS MARITIME)

RM2CXAP7K–Labourers stand on a new ship at a Rongsheng Heavy Industries shipyard in Nantong, Jiangsu province, in this file photo taken May 21, 2012. China Rongsheng Heavy Industries Group, the country"s largest private shipbuilder, posted its sharpest fall in half-year profit - down 82 percent - on a dearth of new orders, putting further pressure on its stretched balance sheet. Rongsheng warned on August 21, 2012, that economic uncertainties such as the euro zone debt crisis would continue to weigh on the global shipping market. Picture taken May 21, 2012. REUTERS/Aly Song/Files (CHINABUSINESS MARITI

RM2HMN21C–Zhangjiakou, North China"s Hebei Province. 11th Feb, 2022. Liu Rongsheng of China competes during the cross-country skiing men"s 15km classic of Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics at National Cross-Country Skiing Centre in Zhangjiakou, North China"s Hebei Province, Feb. 11, 2022. Credit: Deng Hua/Xinhua/Alamy Live News

RM2D07154–A view of the Rongsheng Heavy Industries shipyard is seen in Nantong, Jiangsu province, in this file photo taken May 21, 2012. China Rongsheng Heavy Industries Group, the country"s largest private shipbuilder, posted its sharpest fall in half-year profit - down 82 percent - on a dearth of new orders, putting further pressure on its stretched balance sheet. Rongsheng warned on August 21, 2012, that economic uncertainties such as the euro zone debt crisis would continue to weigh on the global shipping market. Picture taken May 21, 2012. REUTERS/Aly Song/Files (CHINA - Tags: BUSINESS MARITIME)

RM2HMN3MK–Zhangjiakou, North China"s Hebei Province. 11th Feb, 2022. Liu Rongsheng of China competes during the cross-country skiing men"s 15km classic of Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics at National Cross-Country Skiing Centre in Zhangjiakou, North China"s Hebei Province, Feb. 11, 2022. Credit: Hu Huhu/Xinhua/Alamy Live News

RM2HM9EFM–Zhangjiakou, China"s Hebei Province. 8th Feb, 2022. Liu Rongsheng of China competes during the men"s cross-country skiing sprint free qualification of the Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics at Zhangjiakou National Cross-country Skiing Centre in Zhangjiakou, north China"s Hebei Province, Feb. 8, 2022. Credit: Mu Yu/Xinhua/Alamy Live News

RM2HN20G7–Zhangjiakou, China"s Hebei Province. 13th Feb, 2022. Liu Rongsheng (L) and Wang Qiang of China compete during the cross-country skiing men"s 4x10 km relay of the Beijing Winter Olympics at National Cross-Country Skiing Centre in Zhangjiakou, north China"s Hebei Province, Feb. 13, 2022. Credit: Liu Chan/Xinhua/Alamy Live News

RM2E68M95–A view of the Rongsheng Heavy Industries shipyard is seen in Nantong, Jiangsu province, in this file photo taken May 21, 2012. China Rongsheng Heavy Industries Group, the country"s largest private shipbuilder, posted its sharpest fall in half-year profit - down 82 percent - on a dearth of new orders, putting further pressure on its stretched balance sheet. Rongsheng warned on August 21, 2012, that economic uncertainties such as the euro zone debt crisis would continue to weigh on the global shipping market. Picture taken May 21, 2012. REUTERS/Aly Song/Files (CHINA - Tags: BUSINESS MARITIME)

RM2HKXK7X–2022 Beijing Olympics - Cross-Country Skiing - Men"s 15km + 15km Skiathlon - National Cross-Country Centre, Zhangjiakou, China - February 6, 2022. Liu Rongsheng of China in action. REUTERS/Hannah Mckay

RM2HMMB79–2022 Beijing Olympics - Cross-Country Skiing - Men"s 15km Classic - National Cross-Country Centre, Zhangjiakou, China - February 11, 2022. Liu Rongsheng of China in action. REUTERS/Lindsey Wasson

RM2HN20T2–Zhangjiakou, China"s Hebei Province. 13th Feb, 2022. Shang Jincai (L) and Liu Rongsheng of China competes during the cross-country skiing men"s 4x10 km relay of the Beijing Winter Olympics at National Cross-Country Skiing Centre in Zhangjiakou, north China"s Hebei Province, Feb. 13, 2022. Credit: Liu Chan/Xinhua/Alamy Live News

RM2HMMAPC–2022 Beijing Olympics - Cross-Country Skiing - Men"s 15km Classic - National Cross-Country Centre, Zhangjiakou, China - February 11, 2022. Liu Rongsheng of China in action. REUTERS/Lindsey Wasson

RM2HMYH8D–2022 Beijing Olympics - Cross-Country Skiing - Men"s 4 x 10km Relay - National Cross-Country Centre, Zhangjiakou, China - February 13, 2022. Liu Rongsheng of China in action. REUTERS/Lindsey Wasson

RM2HN0D6W–Zhangjiakou, China"s Hebei Province. 13th Feb, 2022. Liu Rongsheng (R) of China and Antoine Cyr of Canada compete during the cross-country skiing men"s 4x10 km relay of the Beijing Winter Olympics at National Cross-Country Skiing Centre in Zhangjiakou, north China"s Hebei Province, Feb. 13, 2022. Credit: Hu Huhu/Xinhua/Alamy Live News

RM2HN214K–Zhangjiakou, China"s Hebei Province. 13th Feb, 2022. Antoine Cyr (L) of Canada and Liu Rongsheng of China compete during the cross-country skiing men"s 4x10 km relay of the Beijing Winter Olympics at National Cross-Country Skiing Centre in Zhangjiakou, north China"s Hebei Province, Feb. 13, 2022. Credit: Deng Hua/Xinhua/Alamy Live News

RM2HM92R3–Beijing, China"s Hebei Province. 8th Feb, 2022. Liu Rongsheng of China competes during the cross-country skiing men"s sprint free qulification match of Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics at Zhangjiakou National Cross-country Skiing Centre in Zhangjiakou, north China"s Hebei Province, Feb. 8, 2022. Credit: Wang Song/Xinhua/Alamy Live News

RM2FMJX8F–Altay, China"s Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. 10th May, 2021. Liu Rongsheng of National Cross-Country Skiing Team competes during the men"s 15km mass start classic event at the FIS Cross-Country Skiing China City Tour in Sarkobu Cross-Country Ski Track, Altay City, northwest China"s Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, May 10, 2021. Credit: Hou Zhaokang/Xinhua/Alamy Live News

RM2FMJX8B–Altay, China"s Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. 10th May, 2021. Shang Jincai (L) and Liu Rongsheng of National Cross-Country Skiing Team celebrate after finishing the men"s 15km mass start classic event at the FIS Cross-Country Skiing China City Tour in Sarkobu Cross-Country Ski Track, Altay City, northwest China"s Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, May 10, 2021. Credit: Zanghaer Bolati/Xinhua/Alamy Live News

RM2HP7A4F–Zhangjiakou, China"s Hebei Province. 19th Feb, 2022. Liu Rongsheng of China competes during the cross-country skiing men"s 50km mass start free of Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics at National Cross-Country Skiing Centre in Zhangjiakou, north China"s Hebei Province, Feb. 19, 2022. The men"s 50km cross-country mass start race on Saturday has been delayed by an hour to 1500 local time (0700 GMT) and shortened to 30km due to high winds at the National Cross-Country Skiing Centre. Credit: Hu Huhu/Xinhua/Alamy Live News

RM2HP6R28–Beijing, China"s Hebei Province. 19th Feb, 2022. Liu Rongsheng of China competes during the cross-country skiing men"s 50km mass start free of Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics at National Cross-Country Skiing Centre in Zhangjiakou, north China"s Hebei Province, Feb. 19, 2022. The men"s 50km cross-country mass start race on Saturday has been delayed by an hour to 1500 local time (0700 GMT) and shortened to 30km due to high winds at the National Cross-Country Centre. Credit: Liu Chan/Xinhua/Alamy Live News

RM2HP7GR8–Zhangjiakou, China"s Hebei Province. 19th Feb, 2022. Liu Rongsheng of China competes during the cross-country skiing men"s 50km mass start free of Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics at National Cross-Country Skiing Centre in Zhangjiakou, north China"s Hebei Province, Feb. 19, 2022. The men"s 50km cross-country mass start race on Saturday has been delayed by an hour to 1500 local time (0700 GMT) and shortened to 30km due to high winds at the National Cross-Country Skiing Centre. Credit: Mu Yu/Xinhua/Alamy Live News

RM2HP79RK–Zhangjiakou, China"s Hebei Province. 19th Feb, 2022. Liu Rongsheng of China competes during the cross-country skiing men"s 50km mass start free of Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics at National Cross-Country Skiing Centre in Zhangjiakou, north China"s Hebei Province, Feb. 19, 2022. The men"s 50km cross-country mass start race on Saturday has been delayed by an hour to 1500 local time (0700 GMT) and shortened to 30km due to high winds at the National Cross-Country Skiing Centre. Credit: Hu Huhu/Xinhua/Alamy Live News

RM2HP799D–Zhangjiakou, China"s Hebei Province. 19th Feb, 2022. Hadesi Badelihan (R) and Liu Rongsheng of China compete during the cross-country skiing men"s 50km mass start free of Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics at National Cross-Country Skiing Centre in Zhangjiakou, north China"s Hebei Province, Feb. 19, 2022. The men"s 50km cross-country mass start race on Saturday has been delayed by an hour to 1500 local time (0700 GMT) and shortened to 30km due to high winds at the National Cross-Country Skiing Centre. Credit: Liu Chan/Xinhua/Alamy Live News

RM2HP6W5G–Zhangjiakou, China"s Hebei Province. 19th Feb, 2022. Liu Rongsheng of China passes the finish line during the cross-country skiing men"s 50km mass start free of Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics at National Cross-Country Skiing Centre in Zhangjiakou, north China"s Hebei Province, Feb. 19, 2022. The men"s 50km cross-country mass start race on Saturday has been delayed by an hour to 1500 local time (0700 GMT) and shortened to 30km due to high winds at the National Cross-Country Centre. Credit: Deng Hua/Xinhua/Alamy Live News

RM2HP79F3–Zhangjiakou, China"s Hebei Province. 19th Feb, 2022. Wang Qiang (R) and Liu Rongsheng of China compete during the cross-country skiing men"s 50km mass start free of Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics at National Cross-Country Skiing Centre in Zhangjiakou, north China"s Hebei Province, Feb. 19, 2022. The men"s 50km cross-country mass start race on Saturday has been delayed by an hour to 1500 local time (0700 GMT) and shortened to 30km due to high winds at the National Cross-Country Skiing Centre. Credit: Deng Hua/Xinhua/Alamy Live News

RM2HP71XE–Zhangjiakou, China"s Hebei Province. 19th Feb, 2022. Wang Qiang (L) and Liu Rongsheng of China compete during the cross-country skiing men"s 50km mass start free of Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics at National Cross-Country Skiing Centre in Zhangjiakou, north China"s Hebei Province, Feb. 19, 2022. The men"s 50km cross-country mass start race on Saturday has been delayed by an hour to 1500 local time (0700 GMT) and shortened to 30km due to high winds at the National Cross-Country Skiing Centre. Credit: Mu Yu/Xinhua/Alamy Live News

HONG KONG, Dec 4 (Reuters) - China Rongsheng Heavy Industries Group, the country"s largest private shipbuilder, said on Wednesday it expects to report a substantial full-year loss just months after it appealed to the government for financial help.

"The company believes that the net loss is primarily attributable to the decrease in revenue as a result of the company"s conservative sales strategy under the current trough stage of the shipbuilding market," China Rongsheng said in a statement to the Hong Kong stock exchange.

Workers at Rongsheng"s Nantong shipyard in eastern China told Reuters on Wednesday that morale was low, with some employees complaining about a shortage of work.

Greek ship owner Dryships Inc has already questioned whether some of the ships on order at China Rongsheng will be delivered, which could hit its revenue and profitability next year. Dryships has four dry bulk carriers on order at the company"s shipbuilding subsidiary, Jiangsu Rongsheng Heavy Industries, that are due for delivery in 2014.

China Rongsheng, which sought financial help from the government in July, has said it won only two shipbuilding orders worth $55.6 million last year when its target was $1.8 billion worth of contracts.

A shipbuilding source said: "The shipyard has had no confirmed orders since June 30 because payment terms and contract prices were still unfavorable. But China Rongsheng has signed some letters of intent which have yet to be transformed into confirmed orders."

China Rongsheng Heavy Industries Group, a leading private shipbuilder, said Wednesday that it expects to report a substantial full-year loss just months after it appealed to the government for financial help.

"The company believes that the net loss is primarily attributable to the decrease in revenue as a result of the company"s conservative sales strategy under the current trough stage of the shipbuilding market," China Rongsheng said in a statement to the Hong Kong Stock Exchange.

Greek ship owner Dryships Inc has already questioned whether some of the ships on order at China Rongsheng will be delivered, which could hit its revenue and profitability next year.

Dryships has four dry bulk carriers on order at the company"s shipbuilding subsidiary, Jiangsu Rongsheng Heavy Industries, that are due for delivery in 2014.

China Rongsheng, which sought financial help from the government in July, has said it won only two shipbuilding orders worth $55.6 million last year when its target was $1.8 billion worth of contracts.

HONG KONG, May 24, 2011 /PRNewswire-Asia/ -- China Rongsheng Heavy Industries Group Holdings Limited ("China Rongsheng Heavy Industries" or the "Group"; stock code: 01101.HK), a large heavy industries group in China, has collaborated with China National Offshore Oil Corporation ("CNOOC") to construct the world"s first-ever 3,000-meter deepwater pipe laying crane vessel ("DPV") "Ocean Pec 201". A national major science and technology project conference and a christening ceremony to celebrate the completion of the vessel were held in Rugao City, Jiangsu today.

The DPV "Ocean Pec 201" was the culmination of the first joint offshore engineering project of CNOOC and China Rongsheng Heavy Industries. The project started in May 2005 and construction of the vessel commenced in September 2008. Offshore Oil Engineering Co., Ltd. ("COOEC"), a listed company held by CNOOC, was responsible for all construction cost as well as the operation upon completion. The christening ceremony today symbolised that the construction of the DPV has completed the outfitting and testing stages and is at the final stage of trial voyage and delivery.

Guests including top management of China Rongsheng Heavy Industries and its partners together with leading officials of the local Government presided over the occasion and officiated at the ribbon-cutting ceremony. Business executives included Mr. Zhou Shouwei, Vice President of CNOOC and academician at the Chinese Academy of Engineering; Mr. Zhou Xuezhong, President of COOEC; Mr. Zhang Dehuang, Chairman of Jiangsu Rongsheng Investment Group Co. Ltd; Mr. Chen Qiang, Chief Executive Officer of China Rongsheng Heavy Industries and Mr. Chen Guorong, President of Jiangsu Rongsheng Heavy Industries Co., Ltd. Local officials included Mr. Qinyan from the Jiangsu Economic and Information Technology Commission and Ms. Chen Huijuan, Deputy Mayor of Nantong & Secretary of Rugao Municipal Committee of the Communist Party of China.

Mr. Chen Qiang, Chief Executive Officer and Executive Director of China Rongsheng Heavy Industries, said, ""Ocean Pec 201" is an important part of the demonstration engineering projects. It includes major equipment and ancillary engineering technology for offshore deepwater engineering projects among the major national science and technology programmes under China"s Eleventh Five-Year Plan. The entry of CNOOC in deep water exploitation creates opportunities for the offshore engineering sector in China and enhances the overall capability of the related manufacturing and metallurgy industries in China. The christening and impending trial voyage of the semi-submersible drilling rig "Ocean Pec 981" and DVP "Ocean Pec 201" highlights China"s ability to develop sophisticated equipment in the offshore engineering sector and its competitiveness in the international market."

"Ocean Pec 201" is the world"s first deepwater pipe laying crane vessel featuring 3,000-meter deepwater pipe-laying, 4,000 tonnes of lifting capacity and DP-3(1) dynamic positioning capability(2). The vessel is able to operate in any navigable area globally except for the Arctic regions. It is equipped with a series of advanced equipment including electric propulsion, VF electric drive, DP-3 dynamic positioning, "S" type deepwater dual node pipe-laying system as well as a 4,000-tonne heavy offshore crane. The vessel was designed and built in China. With a crew of 380, it is the first offshore engineering vessel in Asia and China capable of laying pipes at a water depth of 3,000 meters. The overall technology and capacity are also superior to similar vessels overseas.

Mr. Chen added, "Offshore engineering has been the major focus of the Group. We now own China"s largest offshore engineering dock equipped with China"s largest gantry crane with a lifting capacity of 1,600 tonnes. The DPV is the first collaborative project between CNOOC and China Rongsheng Heavy Industries. In the future, we expect to further strategically cooperate with CNOOC in the offshore engineering field. Upon completion of the "Ocean Pec 201", China Rongsheng Heavy Industries intends to further strengthen its design and construction capabilities, and lay a solid foundation to expand its offshore engineering business."

Mr. Chen concluded, "Looking ahead, the Group will continue to gradually expand our operating scale as stated in the prospectus and focus on high-end manufacturing and the development of large containerships to maintain our leadership in the shipbuilding engineering sector. We will also make marine engine building and offshore engineering our new growth drivers. Our aim is to develop the Group into a leading global heavy industries group and take the heavy industries in China onto the international stage."

Established in 2005, China Rongsheng Heavy Industries advanced to become a market leader in the Chinese shipbuilding industry within five years. According to Clarkson Research, China Rongsheng Heavy Industries was the second largest shipbuilder and the largest privately-owned shipbuilder in the PRC in terms of total order book measured by DWT as of end of 2010, and had the largest shipyard in the PRC. China Rongsheng Heavy Industries was also a global leader in manufacture of VLOCs of over 400,000 DWT. Headquartered in Hong Kong and Shanghai, China Rongsheng Heavy Industries has production facilities in Nantong of Jiangsu Province and Hefei of Anhui Province. Currently, China Rongsheng Heavy Industries" business spans four segments: shipbuilding, offshore engineering, marine engine building and engineering machinery. China Rongsheng Heavy Industries" products include bulk carriers, crude oil tankers, containerships, offshore engineering products, low-speed marine diesel engines and small to mid-size excavators for construction and mining uses. It has established strategic cooperations with renowned international classification societies including DNV, ABS, LR, GL and CCS, and has built a customer base including enterprises such as CNOOC, Vale, Geden Line, Cardiff Marine Inc., MSFL and Frontline Ltd. The Group"s products have been sold to 11 countries and regions including Turkey, Norway, Germany, Brazil, Singapore and China.

Hong Kong: The future of China Rongsheng Heavy Industries looks set to be as a state-run yard. Once China’s largest private Chinese yard, with a Hong Kong listing to boot, Rongsheng has been one of the major casualties of the shipbuilding downturn.

The company suspended its shares last month ahead of a possible restructuring. In its latest announcement Rongsheng said it had been"notified by a government authority that they are procuring an independent third party to consider and, if appropriate, to initiate a potential restructuring involving Jiangsu Rongsheng Heavy Industries".

Rongsheng’s Jiangsu yard was one of just 51 that made it onto Beijing’s white list of shipyards last week. Those making it onto the white list will receive policy support from government. The list is a way for China to handle its chronic shipyard overcapacity.

Shanghai Waigaoqiao Shipbuilding, part of state-run CSSC, has been widely tipped to be involved in the restructuring of Rongsheng, the irony being that same yard was where many of the original top management and workforce came from when Rongsheng was set up around nine years ago. [08/09/14]

Chinese shipbuilder Jiangsu Rongsheng Heavy Industries has raised about HKD$14bn ($1.8bn) in its initial public offering on the Hong Kong stock exchange.

Rongsheng will use part of the sale proceeds to fund its shipbuilding and offshore engineering businesses, and to repay loans, according to lloydslist.com.