CSSC and Seaspan Corporation Sign Landmark 9,000 TEU Container Ship Contract​，RMB Settlement

Landmark Contract & Customized Vessels​
China State Shipbuilding Corporation (CSSC) and ​Seaspan Corporation​ (the largest tonnage provider in the world ) signed a contract on ​August 15, 2025, for the construction of12* 9,000 TEU container ships at Hudong-Zhonghua Shipbuilding. These vessels feature:
​Tailor-made design: Convention fuel, Optimized hull, high-efficiency propulsion, and cargo space maximization for operational economy

​Dual-fuel readiness: Aligning with Seaspan’s decarbonization focus (earlier orders included LNG/methanol dual-fuel ships)

​Pioneering RMB Settlement: A Game-Changer​
The contract adopts ​cross-border RMB settlement, facilitated by ICBC Financial Leasing. This marks:
​​"Chinese Manufacturing + Chinese Finance" synergy: Reducing forex risks for shipbuilders and cutting financing costs for owners via RMB-USD interest differentials

​Accelerated RMB internationalization: Maritime sector joins commodities trade in driving RMB usage (RMB now 4.74% of global payments, per 2024 reports)

Seaspan’s China Focus & Industry Impact​
​Deepening ties: This follows Seaspan’s April 2025 order for 6×11,400 TEU ships at Waigaoqiao Shipbuilding (also RMB-settled)

​Fleet expansion strategy: 41 newbuilds underway in China (2024–2029), including 13,600 TEU vessels at Hudong-Zhonghua

​Market shift: Seaspan’s pivot to RMB counters US tariff threats (e.g., looming $1.5M tariffs on Chinese ships) by locking in cost efficiency

​Why This Matters for Global Trade​
​Risk diversification: Reduced USD dependency amid geopolitical volatility

​Green shipping convergence: Chinese yards now dominate 70%+ global green vessel orders, pairing eco-tech with financial innovation

​Seaspan’s Vision: CEO Chen Bing’s collaboration with CSSC Chairman Xu Peng underscores a long-term bet on China’s integrated "build + finance" model to future-proof fleet competitiveness

by Xinde Marine News Chen Yang

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