Shanghai Waigaoqiao Shipbuilding (SWS) has suspended work after three yard workers died while working on a 7,000 TEU vessel ordered by X-Press Feeders.
Chinese publication Caixin reported on 27 June that the accident happened around 6 pm local time on 16 June, while the vessel was being assembled in a dry dock. A large block section reportedly fell on the workers shortly after it was placed on the vessel, identified as H1557. Another six workers were injured and sent to hospital.
S&P Global’s vessel database pinpoints H1557 as one of a dozen 7,000 TEU ships that Singapore-based X-Press ordered in 2021 and 2022. Deliveries began early this year and will extend into 2024.
Container News contacted SWS and an employee there would only say that an accident happened and the matter was under investigation.
Quoting sources, Caixin reported that it was possible that the block section had not been positioned correctly when a rope securing it was released.
S&P Global’s database shows that SWS has 59 ships in its orderbook, comprising container ships, car carriers, oil tankers and bulk carriers, with deliveries stretching into 2026. Nearby Shanghai Shipyard, which was mothballed in 2018, was reopened in February to take on subcontracting work from SWS, which had seen a surge in newbuilding orders, particularly for container ships and car carriers.
Container News reached out to X-Press Feeders to ask how the accident would affect the construction of the affected ship, which is supposed to be delivered in October, but there has been no reply.
Martina Li
Asia Correspondent
