jiangsu rongsheng heavy industries co ltd china factory

China Rongsheng Heavy Industries Group Holdings Limited is an investment holding company. The Company has four segments: shipbuilding, offshore engineering, marine engine building and engineering machinery. The Company commenced the construction of its shipyard in Nantong, Jiangsu Province. As of December 31, 2009, the Company鈥檚 shipyard covers approximately four million square meters and occupies 3,058 meters of Yangtze River shoreline. The Company operates its marine engine building business through Rong An Power Machinery. In October 2009, Rong An Power Machinery delivered its marine engine product, a Wartsila 6RT-flex68D low-speed marine diesel engine. The Company through Zhenyu Machinery offers 16 varieties of hydraulic excavators and two varieties of hydraulic crawler cranes. Its products include bulk carriers, crude oil tankers, containerships, offshore engineering products, low-speed marine diesel engines and small to mid-size excavators and cranes for construction and mining.

Ch Rongsheng isa leadinglarge-scaleheavy industry enterprisegroup.It possesses of two manufacturing bases of shipbuilding and offshore engineering in Nantong of Jiangsu Province and diesel engine in Hefei of Anhui Province both approved by NDRC, coveringwide services ranging from shipbuilding, offshoreengineering,power engineering, engineering machineryandetc. Until Dec.With thevision of “cultivate world first-class employees and create world first-class enterprise”,the spirit of “integrity-based, the pursuit of excellence”, and the responsibility ofrevitalizingnational industry, it runs fast toward the great goal of world first-class diversified heavy industry group.

Last October, the company entered into an agreementto sell 98.5% equity interest of Rongsheng Heavy Industries, the entire interest in Rongsheng Engineering Machinery, Rongsheng Power Machinery and Rongsheng Marine Engineering Petroleum Services, to Unique Orient, an investment holding company owned by Wang Mingqing, a creditor of Huarong Energy, for a nominal price of HK$1.

Once the largest private shipyard in China, Rongsheng ceased shipbuilding operations in 2014 after it was hit by a major financial crisis and the shipyard rebranded into Huarong Energy in 2015.

Huarong Energy is of the view that the shipbuilding and engineering business is unlikely to see a turnaround in the foreseeable future and it is in the best interests of the company to dispose of the business and focus its resources on energy.

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.

As ship orders and funding have dried up, the firm has delayed deliveries and now faces legal disputes, shipping and legal sources said. The company - whose market value has slumped more than 90 percent to around $1 billion since its Hong Kong listing in late 2010 - is in talks with bankers to restructure its debt.

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.

“In this area we’re only really selling to workers from the shipyard. If they’re not here who do we sell to?” said one of the few remaining shopkeepers, surnamed Sui, playing a videogame at his work-wear store. “I know people with salaries held back and they can’t pay for things. I can’t continue if things stay the same.”

“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.

The shipbuilder’s net debt to equity, a measure of indebtedness, climbed to 134 percent in January-June from 119 percent in 2012 and 85 percent in 2011. Talks with its banking syndicate are ongoing, with no indication when a deal could be struck, a person at one of the banks told Reuters this week.

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.

The exodus has left row upon row of deserted apartments, with just a few old garments strewn on the floor and empty name tags to show for what was a bustling community before China’s economic growth began to slow and credit tightened at a time when global shipping, too, turned down.

“The lottery has become increasingly popular,” said a girl working the till. “I’m not sure why really, but perhaps people are hoping they can win something here.”

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

Rongsheng Heavy Industries Group Holdings Limited is pleased to announce the establishment of Rongsheng Offshore & Marine Private Limited (“Rongsheng Offshore & Marine”), the Group’s new offshore engineering base, in Singapore. The company will focus on research and development, marketing and “Engineering, Procurement and Construction” (“EPC”) projects in offshore engineering, drawing on Singapore’s superior industry advances and human resources. On the same day, Rongsheng Offshore & Marine also officially announces that it has secured an EPC contract for a 2,000-meter deepwater tender barge. With sound developments made in the high-end offshore equipment manufacturing field, the Group will seek to accelerate its all-round transformation into an offshore engineering service provider.

Rongsheng Offshore & Marine, a wholly-owned subsidiary of China Rongsheng Heavy Industries and registered in Singapore, is set to become a light asset, high technology and first class offshore engineering talent base. It will play an important role in the Group’s offshore engineering strategy; the sales team is positioned to help the Group to gain market share in the international offshore engineering market, and the operational team will help the Group to achieve greater breakthroughs by engaging in high-end operational activities such as research and development, EPC project management and international procurement.

Mr. Chen Qiang, Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer of China Rongsheng Heavy Industries, said: “The opening of Rongsheng Offshore & Marine marks an important milestone towards the Group’s goal to upgrade and transform into an offshore engineering service provider. Combined with the company’s new, innovative operating model and technological platform and Jiangsu Rongsheng Heavy Industries Company Limited’s (“Jiangsu Rongsheng”) strong manufacturing base, China Rongsheng Heavy Industries has gained access to the global market and can now make their presence felt in the high-end marine equipment manufacturing field. By improving efficiency and lowering cost through synergizing the Group’s various business areas, we are confident that we can build Rongsheng into a world-class offshore engineering brand.”

The tender barge, ordered by a Norwegian customer, is currently one of the largest of its kind in the world, complete with a high-tech, high value-added deepwater engineering apparatus that boasts a wide scope of applications and excellent cost performance. With a maximum working depth and drilling depth of 2,000 meters and 6,000 meters, respectively, it meets the global requirements of oil drilling operations in mild-temperature waters.

The project in question is an EPC project, covering Engineering, Procurement, Construction. Rongsheng Offshore & Marine is the general contractor, and Jiangsu Rongsheng is the manufacturer. China Rongsheng Heavy Industries is one of the few shipbuilders in China capable of undertaking an EPC project, and the winning of this tender highlights the technological and manufacturing strength of China Rongsheng Heavy Industries in the marine engineering field. It also demonstrates the recognition received by the Group in the international shipbuilding and offshore engineering industries.

Mr. Don Lee, Director and Chief Executive Officer of Rongsheng Offshore & Marine, has made great achievements in offshore engineering and commands a considerable reputation, having established extensive contacts and close cooperation with offshore rig owners and petroleum companies over the course of 40 years in the field. Prior to his appointment at Rongsheng, Mr. Lee served as an Senior General Manager at Sembcorp Marine’s subsidiary Jurong Shipyard, Senior Vice President of the Marketing of Sembcorp Marine,Director of Jurong Brazil, Director of Brazil Netherlands BV, and Director of PPL Shipyard.

Rongsheng Heavy Industries Group Holdings Limited is pleased to announce the establishment of Rongsheng Offshore & Marine Private Limited (“Rongsheng Offshore & Marine”), the Group’s new offshore engineering base, in Singapore. The company will focus on research and development, marketing and “Engineering, Procurement and Construction” (“EPC”) projects in offshore engineering, drawing on Singapore’s superior industry advances and human resources. On the same day, Rongsheng Offshore & Marine also officially announces that it has secured an EPC contract for a 2,000-meter deepwater tender barge. With sound developments made in the high-end offshore equipment manufacturing field, the Group will seek to accelerate its all-round transformation into an offshore engineering service provider.

Rongsheng Offshore & Marine, a wholly-owned subsidiary of China Rongsheng Heavy Industries and registered in Singapore, is set to become a light asset, high technology and first class offshore engineering talent base. It will play an important role in the Group’s offshore engineering strategy; the sales team is positioned to help the Group to gain market share in the international offshore engineering market, and the operational team will help the Group to achieve greater breakthroughs by engaging in high-end operational activities such as research and development, EPC project management and international procurement.

Mr. Chen Qiang, Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer of China Rongsheng Heavy Industries, said: “The opening of Rongsheng Offshore & Marine marks an important milestone towards the Group’s goal to upgrade and transform into an offshore engineering service provider. Combined with the company’s new, innovative operating model and technological platform and Jiangsu Rongsheng Heavy Industries Company Limited’s (“Jiangsu Rongsheng”) strong manufacturing base, China Rongsheng Heavy Industries has gained access to the global market and can now make their presence felt in the high-end marine equipment manufacturing field. By improving efficiency and lowering cost through synergizing the Group’s various business areas, we are confident that we can build Rongsheng into a world-class offshore engineering brand.”

The tender barge, ordered by a Norwegian customer, is currently one of the largest of its kind in the world, complete with a high-tech, high value-added deepwater engineering apparatus that boasts a wide scope of applications and excellent cost performance. With a maximum working depth and drilling depth of 2,000 meters and 6,000 meters, respectively, it meets the global requirements of oil drilling operations in mild-temperature waters.

The project in question is an EPC project, covering Engineering, Procurement, Construction. Rongsheng Offshore & Marine is the general contractor, and Jiangsu Rongsheng is the manufacturer. China Rongsheng Heavy Industries is one of the few shipbuilders in China capable of undertaking an EPC project, and the winning of this tender highlights the technological and manufacturing strength of China Rongsheng Heavy Industries in the marine engineering field. It also demonstrates the recognition received by the Group in the international shipbuilding and offshore engineering industries.

Mr. Don Lee, Director and Chief Executive Officer of Rongsheng Offshore & Marine, has made great achievements in offshore engineering and commands a considerable reputation, having established extensive contacts and close cooperation with offshore rig owners and petroleum companies over the course of 40 years in the field. Prior to his appointment at Rongsheng, Mr. Lee served as an Senior General Manager at Sembcorp Marine’s subsidiary Jurong Shipyard, Senior Vice President of the Marketing of Sembcorp Marine,Director of Jurong Brazil, Director of Brazil Netherlands BV, and Director of PPL Shipyard.

--FILE--A shipbuilding plant of China Rongsheng Heavy Industries Group Holdings Ltd is seen in Nantong city, east Chinas Jiangsu province, 23 May 2012. China Rongsheng Heavy Industries Group Holdings Ltd may report its first annual loss in four years amid a slump in the shipbuilding market. The decline in demand has led to the sharp decrease in orders and prices of vessels compared with the same period last year, Rongsheng Chinas largest private shipbuilder, said in a filing to the Hong Kong stock exchange yesterday (24 December 2012), without giving figures. The shipbuilder in August reported an 82 percent plunge in first-half earnings as a global economic slowdown and overcapacity sank demand for vessels.

Rongsheng Heavy Industries Group Holdings Ltd"s shares have been suspended on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange after a media report said that the company cut 8,000 jobs in recent months.

The Jiangsu-based company - China"s largest private shipyard - has been hit by a slowdown in the global shipping industry as well as sluggish domestic demand for new ships.

The company said that trading of its shares and all structured products related to it was suspended pending clarification of "news articles and possible inside information", according to a filing with the exchange.

The company"s shares dropped 10 percent on Wednesday after it told the Wall Street Journal that some of its contract workers had engaged in "disruptive" activities and had surrounded the entrance of its factory in Jiangsu province.

And despite the global downturn, it managed to complete projects worth 3.9 million deadweight tons in 2012. Brazil and Greece accounted for more than half of the company"s 2012 revenue.

Last year, Rongsheng Offshore & Marine was established in Singapore to seek new market growth points. Its business segments include shipbuilding, offshore engineering, marine engine building and engineering machinery.

However, Meng Lingru, an industrial analyst with Shanxi Securities, said that the product upgrade might not help the company that much as weak market demand is the fundamental reason behind the job losses.

The company posted a loss of 572.6 million yuan ($93 million) last year, after three consecutive years of profits, and it had short-term debt of 19.3 billion yuan as of the end of 2012. It also laid off 3,000 employees last year, as it aims to return to profit this year.

"Due to the low pre-payment rates and delayed deliveries, many shipbuilding companies in Shanghai, Nantong and Zhoushan are experiencing a shortage of capital. Banks are not willing to lend to shipbuilding companies because they"re fully aware of how sluggish the business is. Shipbuilding is listed as a high-risk industry by banks," Meng said.

A Moody"s Investors Service outlook report released in June said that the serious problem of the excess capacity in the next 18 months will continue to lower international shipping prices.

Declining US crude oil imports and lackluster commodity demand in Europe will also lead to a slowdown of maritime shipments, with dry bulk ships and crude oil tankers bearing the brunt first, which indicates that Chinese shipbuilders will see disappointing market conditions.

"In 2011, the market was so-so, but 2012 was bad and the situation this year is cruel," said Li Aidong, president of Daoda Heavy Industry Group, an 8,000-worker shipyard in Jiangsu.

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.

The offshore oil development in China has long been hindered by its backward offshore oil technology and equipment, with operations confined to within 500 meters from the shore. However, CNOOC initiated its offshore development after the launch of the Eleventh Five-Year Plan through a significant investment in large deepwater development equipment including DPV and semi-submersible drilling rig. The completion of "Ocean Pec 201" fills a shortcoming in deepwater development of China. Together with other deepwater apparatus built by CNOOC, the DPV extends China"s development capability to a water depth of 3,000 meters.

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."

DP-3: Vessels equipped with dynamic positioning system. In case of any fault (including total loss of a compartment resulting from fire or leakage), the system can automatically maintain the vessels" position and navigate into the designated operation area under specified environmental conditions. DP-3 is the highest class notation granted by the classification societies. Vessels equipped with DP-3 dynamic positioning systems also mean that these systems feature maximum capacity and reliability in their system deployment, thruster systems, electrical systems, controllers and measurement systems.

Dynamic positioning system: a complete system capabilities needed by vessels to automatically maintain a vessel"s position and heading by using its own propellers and thrusters. It includes the following subsystems: a dynamic system, thrusters, dynamic positioning control system and a measurement system.

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.

The celebrations were brief for China’s shipbuilders. Last year, they became the largest shipbuilding nation in the world, overtaking Korea for the first time. 2011, however, has been a harsh time of realisation for these yards: staying on top amid a jittery global economy is no easy task. As a result many have had to look for different lines of business; this has seen some yards go into ship recycling, others into repair, while quite a few have sought to increase their offerings in equipment, not least in engines.

A trend among Chinese shipbuilders over the past 24 months has been to grow their engine capabilities either organically or via acquisitions. New lines of business are vital as the trickle of new ship orders seen in China this year risks becoming a fully blown drought in years to come.

The China National Shipbuilding Association (CANSI) has repeatedly voiced concerns about the difficulties facing Chinese yards this year. CANSI noted how demand for large container ships, offshore vessels, LNG carriers and greener ships had dominated orders in 2011 to date. China’s major focus, however, is on bulk carriers, tankers and small and mid-sized container vessels. Moreover, CANSI has noted how many bulker newbuild contracts had been rescinded this year as the sector faces huge overcapacity.

According to CANSI, in the first half of 2011 the completed shipbuilding volume in China stood at 30.92 million dwt, a slight increase of 4.4 per cent. Newly received orders were, however, down by 9.2 per cent at 21.6 million dwt, giving a total orderbook of 181.76 million dwt, down 1.4 per cent year-on-year.

CANSI’s first-half report noted that nearly 50 per cent of researched companies had not received a single order in the first six months of this year. CANSI predicts that some shipbuilders will have no ships to build in the first half of next year, and some might even dry up by the final quarter of 2011.

CANSI reckons consolidation among China’s vast yard empire is inevitable. Ben Zhang, an independent shipbuilding analyst in Shanghai, told Marine Propulsion that of the current 400 facilities building ocean-going ships in China, there will be no more than 50 in the coming years.

In the first half of this year it has been difficult for shipbuilding companies to receive new orders, but the worst period for the sector is likely to be between 2013 and 2014, according to Xu Cai, general manger of one of China’s fastest growing private shipbuilders, Zhenghe Shipbuilding.

Wärtsilä’s operations in China continue to expand. Wärtsilä has been present in China for years, through its fully owned subsidiary and long-term licensing agreements. CSSC and Wärtsilä have been working together for 33 years, going back to 17 July 1978, according to Guo Xiwen, chief economist of CSSC.

To serve the world’s largest shipbuilding region, Wärtsilä has established joint ventures for propeller and auxiliary generating set production with leading Chinese shipbuilding groups and a joint venture for automation services. Wärtsilä also manufactures thrusters at its wholly owned company facilities, while low speed engines are produced by eight licencees and by a joint venture company.

At the end of June, Wärtsilä and Jiangsu CuiXing Marine Offshore Engineering agreed to establish a joint venture for manufacturing Wärtsilä 26 and Wärtsilä 32 medium speed marine engines in China. The following month Wärtsilä and CSSC Guangzhou Marine Diesel signed a licence agreement for the manufacture and sale of Wärtsilä two-stroke engines in China.

Wärtsilä has invested €16 million in the joint venture with Jiangsu CuiXing, which holds 51 per cent and Wärtsilä 49 per cent. Before the current investment Wärtsilä investments in China already exceeded €60 million.

The joint venture’s production facilities in Rugao city,