On March 18, 2025, CHI (Yangzhou) reached another milestone as the steel cutting ceremony for the fourth vessel (Hull No. N1173) in the TMS Dry 211,000 DWT bulk carrier series commenced at its workshop. The event was attended by representatives from the shipowner, ABS surveyors, and relevant shipyard departments.

As the fourth vessel in this series, N1173 inherits the advanced design concept from the lead ship N1169. Co-developed by CHI Design & Research Institute and MARIC, this Newcastlemax-class bulk carrier features fully independent intellectual property rights. The design incorporates multiple innovations including optimized hull lines and propeller matching, energy-saving devices, shaft generators, and large cargo hatch openings, achieving enhanced economic efficiency, propulsion performance, and environmental compliance.

This steel cutting marks a new phase in the series' batch construction. Since the first vessel N1169 began construction in July 2024, CHI (Yangzhou) has maintained lean management practices and strengthened design-construction coordination. Through digital shipbuilding technologies and refined project management, the shipyard continues to advance the construction process, ensuring high-quality delivery of these greener and more efficient vessels for global shipping.