Singapore-based X-Press Feeders has clarified to Container News that contrary to media reports, its newbuilding was not involved in a fatal accident that took place in Shanghai Waigaoqiao Shipbuilding (SWS) on 16 June.
Chinese media reports had reported on 27 June that SWS had suspended work after three yard workers died while working on a ship. Another six workers were injured and sent to hospital.
The reports claimed that the vessel was labelled H1557, which according to S&P Global’s database, is one of a dozen 7,000 TEU ships that X-Press ordered in 2021 and 2022, for delivery between this year and 2024.
Container News contacted SWS and an employee there would only say that an accident happened and the matter was under investigation.
Quoting sources, Chinese publication 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.
A spokesperson for X-Press told Container News that the company had contacted SWS to seek clarification after Chinese media reports suggested that the accident happened while its ship was being built. However, SWS’ representative assured X-Press that the ship involved did not belong to the feeder operator.
