China: Delegation of HKMM Visits Rongsheng’s Nantong Shipyard

A delegation of Hong Kong Maritime Museum board of directors visited the Nantong production base and Shanghai headquarter of China Rongsheng Heavy Industries Group Holdings Limited on 20th and 21st November.

Mr. Chen Qiang, Chief Executive Officer of China Rongsheng Heavy Industries, and Mr. Sean Wang, Chief Financial Officer of the Group, warmly welcomed the delegation. During the two-day visit, the management team kindly elaborated the latest development of the Group, and also shared ideas on future cooperation.

Mr. Chen Qiang said, “Shipping industry is one of the pillars of Hong Kong economy. Each member from different industry segments makes unique contribution to the Hong Kong modern development. With particular reference to the South China coast and adjacent seas, the HKMM team has dedicated themselves for years to stimulate public interest and concerns in the maritime world. As the largest privately-owned shipbuilding industries, China Rongsheng Heavy Industries is ready to provide full support, mainly through capital and exhibits donation, to HKMM. The delegation visit would enhance understanding and cooperation between the two parties, also help the Group to build up closer relationship with Hong Kong maritime industry.”

The delegation comprised of Mr. Anthony J. Hardy, Chairman of Board of Director of HKMM, Mr. Andrew Yee Chen and Mr. M. H. Liang, both are the directors of HKMM.

Mr. Anthony J. Hardy said, ‘We are delighted to be invited here by China Rongsheng Heavy Industries and to receive recognition from them of what the HKMM in Hong Kong stands for and has achieved in just five years of operation by way of stimulating public interest in the world of ships and the sea. In its 15 new state-of-the art galleries it seeks to inform and entertain local and oversea visitors. It highlights major development in the cross fertilization between Chinese, Asian and western naval architecture, maritime trade, offshore exploration and also touches on the history of naval warfare through the centuries which ironically developed in protection of trade and trade routes. The much valued relationship with China Rongsheng Heavy Industries will help the HKMM to showcase some of the most exciting innovations in the bulk shipping and offshore industries of today and into the future. ’

During the first day of the visit, the delegation arrived at the Nantong production base, with designed annual shipbuilding capacity of 8 million DWT and NDRC’s approval of construction for 4 drydocks. The No.4 drydock, equipped by the world largest 1600 tons gantry crane, is mainly involved in the offshore engineering segment. It will facilitate the overall strategy of developing more high-tech and high value added products, e.g. LNG carriers and offshore engineering units, during the “Twelfth Five-Year Plan” period. On the next day, the delegation visited the Shanghai headquarter, and started a more in-depth meeting with the management team.

Founded in 2005, HKMM is a non-profit educational institution funded by Hong Kong’s international shipping community, and is moving to Central Pier 8 in 2012. The new site is located in the centre of Victoria Harbour, not only expanding the HKMM exhibition area by a multiple of five and improving the accessibility, but also demonstrating the importance of the maritime industry in Hong Kong as an international maritime center, relating the 2000-year history of the coastal area of South China and heraldind he ever growing importance of the Pearl River Economy and its ports.

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Shipbuilding Tribune Staff, November 22, 2011; Image: rshi