Analysis & Inventory of China’s Rigid Pipelay Vessels (2026)
The global offshore oil and gas sector, along with its supporting marine engineering market, is now recovering from a cyclical downturn. Subsea pipeline installation stands as a highly specialized segment with formidable technical barriers, bringing profound changes to the industry landscape.
In 2026, the overall strength, operational capacity and overseas deployment of China's rigid pipelay fleet have drawn widespread attention across the sector. According to the 2026 Quarterly Report on Global Offshore Vessels published by Clarksons Research and annual statistics from the China Association for the National Shipbuilding Industry, China ranks first across the Asia-Pacific region and third worldwide in terms of rigid pipelay vessel ownership. Its fleet scale is only smaller than those of Norway and the Netherlands, making China a key participant in the global deepwater pipelay market.
This report classifies vessels mainly by Dynamic Positioning (DP) class. Drawing on classification society archives, vessel operational records and official public documents, it sorts out major in-service rigid pipelay vessels in China, and elaborates on their technical parameters, operational positioning and market trends. All DP classifications, equipment specifications and operational information cited are sourced from publicly available credible materials.
1. Tier One: High-end Deepwater Rigid Pipelay Vessels (DP3 Class)
DP3 represents the highest standard for dynamic positioning on offshore engineering vessels. Vessels of this class are equipped with fully redundant systems, compartment fire protection and high-precision positioning capabilities. They can perform pipelaying, heavy-lift operations and subsea equipment installation simultaneously in deep and ultra-deep waters under harsh sea conditions, and form the core capacity for China to undertake high-end global offshore projects.
Referencing public announcements from China National Offshore Oil Corporation (CNOOC) and Shanghai Zhenhua Heavy Industries Co., Ltd., as well as classification records from DNV and CCS and reports from Offshore Energy, this tier consists of two categories of vessels. Four vessels — JSD6000, Shenda, Dehe and Offshore Oil 201 — are certified standard DP3 deepwater rigid pipelay vessels.
They cover three mainstream high-end pipelay technologies: S-Lay, J-Lay and Reel-Lay. Their expertise in ultra-deepwater combined pipelaying, large-diameter heavy-wall pipelines and Pipe-in-Pipe (PIP) installation has reached world-class levels, putting China among the global leaders in building high-end offshore engineering assets.
Also included in this tier is Zhongfei Global 1200, which is rated DP2+. The DP2+ rating here follows common industry practice defined by DP system redundancy, and the vessel does not comply with the A60 bulkhead fire compartmentation requirement mandated for full DP3 certification by classification societies.
1.1 DP3 Class Dual J-Lay & S-Lay Pipelay Vessel: JSD6000
JSD6000 is currently the only vessel in China capable of both J-Lay and S-Lay operations. It targets high-end ultra-deepwater projects worldwide, and serves as a prime example of China’s capability to build and deploy world-class offshore assets globally.
The vessel had a complex construction history. In 2014, international offshore contractor Petrofac commissioned Shanghai Zhenhua Heavy Industries to build the vessel. The project was later cancelled in 2015 amid a sharp drop in global oil prices. In 2018, Zhenhua Heavy Industries acquired full ownership of the project together with original design drawings from Ulstein of the Netherlands, and completed construction independently. The vessel was officially delivered in May 2024.
Upon delivery, Zhenhua Heavy Industries signed a 5+1+1 years bareboat charter agreement with leading global offshore player Saipem. It now operates under Saipem’s global fleet and has been stationed in the Mediterranean Sea, taking part in international EPCIC projects. Leveraging Saipem’s extensive global project network, the vessel operates under a model of Chinese ownership with global deployment, steadily raising the influence of China-built high-end pipelay assets on the international stage.(Source: Bareboat charter and operation announcements of Shanghai Zhenhua Heavy Industries Co., Ltd.)
The vessel boasts top-tier overall performance. Its J-Lay system features a maximum laying tension of 2,000 tonnes, supported by two 600-tonne A/R winches with a combined lowering capacity of 1,200 tonnes. The S-Lay system delivers a maximum gripping force of 900 tonnes, suitable for rigid pipelines up to 60 inches in diameter. Fitted with a 5,200-tonne full-revolving crane and a 35-tonne active heave compensated knuckle boom crane, it can carry out high-precision installation of subsea structures at water depths down to 2,200 metres. The main deck covers an area of 2,100 square metres, with reserved space for installing large horizontal cable carousels and vertical reel systems, enabling future conversion into a reel-lay vessel. Classed under Lloyd’s Register (LR), the vessel has a personnel capacity of 5,200 and a deadweight tonnage of 3,740 tonnes.
1.2 DP3 Class Reel-Lay Vessel: Shenda
Delivered and put into service in 2025, Shenda is jointly classed by DNV and CCS. As a new-generation deepwater reel-lay rigid pipelay vessel, it has a personnel capacity of 180, a deadweight tonnage of 14,920 tonnes and a maximum lifting capacity of 800 tonnes. Currently deployed to Africa, it undertakes subsea pipeline projects for local oil and gas fields with its advanced reel-lay technology, acting as a key platform for Chinese high-end pipelay vessels to expand into the African offshore market.
(Source: Vessel operation announcements of Shanghai Zhenhua Heavy Industries Co., Ltd.)
Its core equipment is a 550-tonne reel-lay system (RLS) custom-built by IHC of the Netherlands. The system breaks the long-standing technological edge of overseas suppliers in installing large-diameter rigid pipelines and complex subsea structures, and is compatible with flexible cables, heavy-wall rigid pipelines and Pipe-in-Pipe products. The system provides a dynamic top tension of 550 tonnes via two 275-tonne tensioners, with a maximum laying speed of 30 metres per minute. The laying tower can be adjusted at angles between 40° and 90°, adapting to all laying scenarios from shallow to ultra-deep waters.
A standout technical advantage is its straightening capacity of 4,528 kN·m, which can straighten 18-inch heavy-wall rigid pipelines with a wall thickness of 42 mm, as well as Pipe-in-Pipe structures consisting of an 18-inch outer pipe and a 12-inch inner pipe in a single operation.
The vessel is equipped with two large storage units for long-duration deep-sea operations and fewer port calls. The main rigid reel has a load capacity of 4,000 tonnes for pipelines up to 18 inches, while the carousel for flexible lines and umbilicals can hold up to 5,000 tonnes of products with a maximum diameter of 25 inches. It supports simultaneous laying of main pipelines alongside 2–6 inch auxiliary lines such as water injection and chemical injection lines. The tensioner frame has an opening width of 2.9 metres. Paired with a 600-tonne hang-off system, the vessel can install Pipeline End Terminations (PLETs) weighing up to 100 tonnes in sea states with a significant wave height of 4 metres, delivering outstanding seakeeping performance and operational efficiency.
1.3 DP3 Class S-Lay Heavy-Lift Pipelay Vessel: Dehe
Delivered in 2018, Dehe is jointly classed by ABS and CCS. It has a personnel capacity of 398 and adopts the S-Lay method with a maximum lifting capacity of 5,000 tonnes. This multi-purpose offshore vessel integrates deepwater pipelaying, heavy lifting and emergency salvage capabilities. According to public documents from the Ministry of Transport Salvage Bureau, vessel database records from OffshoreWIND.biz and announcements from China Communications Construction Company, the vessel is fitted with a DP3 dynamic positioning system and a 10-point mooring system, holding unrestricted navigation certification. Its classification is hereby corrected to standard DP3.
Built by Shanghai Zhenhua Heavy Industries Co., Ltd. and owned by the Yantai Salvage Bureau, it represents the largest single investment in an offshore vessel within China’s national salvage fleet. With an overall length of 199 metres, a beam of 47.6 metres and full electric propulsion, it has a cruising range of over 12,000 nautical miles and an endurance of 60 days at sea, designed to operate at water depths up to 3,000 metres. Its main aft crane can lift 5,000 tonnes in fixed mode and 3,500 tonnes in full-revolving mode, with a maximum lifting height of 102 metres. Equipped with an active heave compensated crane, it meets the requirements for high-precision deepwater lifting. Its S-Lay system is designed for pipelines ranging from 6 inches to 60 inches in diameter. The vessel undertakes a wide range of tasks including deepwater pipelaying, large jacket installation, wreck salvage and offshore wind foundation construction, featuring strong versatility. Currently based in the Persian Gulf, it takes part in EPCIC projects for oil and gas fields across the Middle East.(Source: Vessel operation announcements of Yantai Salvage Bureau)
1.4 DP3 Class S-Lay Deepwater Pipelay Vessel: Offshore Oil 201
Commissioned in 2012 and jointly classed by ABS and CCS, Offshore Oil 201 has a maximum lifting capacity of 4,000 tonnes and a personnel capacity of 380. It is the first domestically designed and built pipelay vessel capable of operating at 3,000 metres water depth, and a flagship asset for CNOOC’s deepwater development strategy.
The vessel is designed prioritizing operational reliability rather than extreme technical parameters. For years, it has been a workhorse for major national deepwater oil and gas projects in China, safeguarding national energy security. Equipped with DP3 positioning and mature S-Lay technology, it operates steadily in deepwater areas such as the South China Sea. At present, the vessel is also deployed to the Persian Gulf, working alongside Dehe to deliver large-scale subsea pipeline EPCIC projects in the Middle East. It has completed numerous core tasks for large-diameter pipeline installation, fully demonstrating the operational strength of China-built deepwater pipelay vessels in high-end international projects.(Source: Vessel operation announcements of CNOOC Offshore Engineering)
1.5 DP2+ Class S-Lay Pipelay Vessel: Zhongfei Global 1200
Built in 2010 and jointly classed by ABS and CCS, Zhongfei Global 1200 has a maximum lifting capacity of 1,200 tonnes and a personnel capacity of 264. It is the only DP2+ vessel within this tier. As a pioneer of China’s private offshore engineering enterprises venturing into the global deepwater pipelay market, it follows a different development strategy compared with state-owned fleets.
Instead of competing for large-scale EPCIC turnkey projects, the vessel focuses on niche markets including maintenance, recovery and twin-pipeline installation for medium and small subsea pipelines. Its owner has independently developed a domestic Pipeline End Termination side mounting system (PHS), breaking overseas technological monopolies. This marks a strategic upgrade from simply exporting vessels to delivering integrated solutions combining equipment, technology and services. The vessel now operates overseas, standing as a typical case of private Chinese enterprises competing in the global offshore engineering sector.
Analysis on Overseas Deployment of Top-tier Vessels
Looking at the deployment of Tier One vessels: JSD6000 operates in the Mediterranean, Shenda serves projects in Africa, while Dehe and Offshore Oil 201 are based in the Persian Gulf. Only Zhongfei Global 1200 does not conduct long-term overseas assignments.
The large-scale overseas deployment of China’s top-tier deepwater pipelay vessels results from a combination of market conditions, project distribution and industrial demand. On the one hand, domestic deepwater oil and gas projects have entered a lull period. On the other hand, the global recovery of offshore oil and gas has brought a surge of large EPCIC projects overseas. International major oil and gas operators also tend to select high-standard DP vessels for construction. All these factors drive China’s premium pipelay fleet to operate abroad.
Overall, China’s flagship DP3 pipelay vessels have established a solid presence in major global oil and gas hubs including the Mediterranean, the Persian Gulf and Africa. The business model of Chinese manufacturing plus global operation has taken firm root, and Chinese-built offshore assets continue to gain greater influence in the high-end international market.
(Source: Public announcements on vessel charter and operation from CNOOC Offshore Engineering, Yantai Salvage Bureau and Shanghai Zhenhua Heavy Industries Co., Ltd.)
This deployment not only optimizes the utilization of domestic high-end offshore capacity, but also integrates China’s pipelaying technology and vessel operation services into the global offshore oil and gas development network.
2. Tier Two: DP2 Class Pipelay Vessels (Mainstay for Mid-deep Water, Rising Demand for Vessel Conversion)
Vessels in this tier are classified as DP2 based on formal class notations, without further assessment of DP redundancy under actual pipelaying working conditions. DP2 pipelay vessels mainly undertake construction tasks in mid-deep waters and moderately harsh sea environments, serving as an indispensable backbone of the offshore engineering market. Currently, the number of fully compliant in-service DP2 pipelay vessels in China is limited, creating a clear supply gap and fuelling a boom in conversion projects for existing offshore vessels.
According to domestic offshore vessel operational records and classification public data, DP2 vessels effectively fill the demand in the mid-deep water segment. Meanwhile, China’s sizable non-DP fleet has built up world-leading capacity for shallow-water nearshore operations, with notable advantages in construction cost and efficiency.
2.1 In-service and Converting DP2 Pipelay Vessels
Lanhai 300: Built in 2020, S-Lay type, maximum lifting capacity 300 tonnes, deadweight tonnage 4,663 tonnes
Vessel X (under conversion): S-Lay type, maximum lifting capacity 800 tonnes, personnel capacity 238
Vessel Y (under conversion): S-Lay type; lifting capacity and deadweight tonnage undisclosed
2.2 Criteria and Risks for Vessel Conversion
Building a new offshore vessel typically takes 3 to 5 years and requires huge upfront capital investment. In contrast, converting an existing vessel usually takes only 1 to 2 years and cuts costs substantially, making it a popular choice among operators. Nevertheless, a well-recognized rule in the offshore industry states that an ill-conceived conversion project can end up costing more than newbuilding. Strict technical evaluation and vessel screening are therefore essential before any conversion.
In terms of hull selection, heavy-lift vessels and semi-submersible vessels are the ideal candidates. They feature high structural strength, excellent stability and wide open decks, perfectly suited for installing heavy pipelaying equipment. Large bulk carriers offer good cost performance. Their long hulls facilitate the layout of long welding production lines, yet the cost of retrofitting DP systems and propulsion units remains high. Platform Supply Vessels (PSV) and Offshore Support Vessels (OSV) are only suitable for conversion into reel-lay vessels for flexible pipelines and cables, and cannot be used for rigid pipelaying.
Key technical indicators require thorough verification. First, the vessel beam is recommended to be over 30 metres to counteract the shift of centre of gravity caused by heavy tensioners and stingers, and the deck load capacity must reach 10–15 tonnes per square metre. Second, particular attention must be paid to local structural strength at the stern. Pipelay vessels carry stingers weighing hundreds of tonnes; weak stern structures will lead to exorbitant reinforcement costs. Third, sufficient space in the engine room must be reserved for large-capacity generator sets to meet the high power redundancy requirements of DP operation.
Multiple risks also exist during conversion. The worst-case scenario is a misguided conversion that requires extensive deck cutting, engine room reconstruction and full stern modification — in such cases, newbuilding is a more sensible option. In addition, fatigue life assessment for aged vessels and stability changes caused by large-scale accommodation expansion are critical hidden risks that may lead to project suspension during sea trials.
3. Tier Three: Non-DP Pipelay Vessels (Workhorses for Nearshore & Shallow Waters with High Cost Performance)
Vessels in this tier are not fitted with dynamic positioning systems. They rely on mooring arrangements or tug assistance for positioning, and cannot operate continuously in deep waters under severe sea conditions. Thanks to low operational costs and strong practicality, they have become the main workhorses for nearshore and shallow-water pipeline projects, and an essential part of coastal marine engineering.
3.1 Core Vessel List
Offshore Oil 202: Built in 2009, CCS class, S-Lay type, personnel capacity 340
Lanjiang: Built in 2001, ABS & CCS dual class, S-Lay type, maximum lifting capacity 3,800 tonnes, personnel capacity 278
Huizhong 301: Built in 2019, CCS class, S-Lay type, personnel capacity 238
Huaxi 900: Built in 2013, CCS class, S-Lay type, maximum lifting capacity 1,050 tonnes, personnel capacity 198
Huarun Long: Built in 2008, CCS class, S-Lay type, maximum lifting capacity 800 tonnes, personnel capacity 150
China Oil Pipeline 601: S-Lay type, maximum lifting capacity 1,600 tonnes, personnel capacity 376
Shengli 902: Built in 2011, S-Lay type, maximum lifting capacity 400 tonnes, personnel capacity 200
Binhai 109: S-Lay type, personnel capacity 178
Tianze No.1: Built in 2019, CCS class, S-Lay type
3.2 Operational Features and Market Positioning
China’s non-DP pipelay fleet presents distinct characteristics. Firstly, most vessels are multi-functional. Represented by Lanjiang and China Oil Pipeline 601, they undertake both shallow-water S-Lay operations and heavy-lift tasks for offshore structures, well aligned with the industry’s drive to cut costs and improve efficiency. Secondly, the whole fleet adopts the mature S-Lay technology. In calm shallow-water areas such as the Bohai Sea and Beibu Gulf, their operational efficiency is comparable to higher-class vessels. Thirdly, the fleet forms a rational tiered setup. Restricted by mooring systems, these vessels cannot venture into deep and ultra-deep waters. However, they play an irreplaceable role in nearshore pipeline installation, shore-crossing sections and supporting operations for DP vessels in shallow waters, thanks to low mobilization costs.
4. Industry Outlook: Will Rigid Pipelay Vessels Repeat the Oversupply Plight of Offshore Wind Installation Vessels?
A few years ago, a construction boom led to severe overcapacity for offshore wind installation vessels, with daily hire rates falling below operational costs. As more capital flows into deepwater offshore engineering, the industry raises concerns over whether the rigid pipelay sector will face a similar sharp oversupply crisis.
Based on industrial logic, asset attributes and market rules, large-scale oversupply is highly unlikely for mid-to-high-end deepwater rigid pipelay vessels. There are fundamental differences between the two sectors.
4.1 Different Market Drivers
The rapid expansion of offshore wind installation vessels was fuelled by temporary subsidy policies. Once policy incentives faded, market demand contracted sharply, creating a short-term boom-and-bust cycle. In contrast, subsea pipeline infrastructure is a core component of offshore oil and gas development, planned under national long-term energy strategies with typical cycles of 5 to 10 years. Demand grows steadily without sudden surges or collapses.
4.2 Different Asset Lifespan and Depreciation Patterns
Offshore wind assets suffer rapid technical obsolescence. The unit capacity of wind turbines keeps rising year by year, jumping from 8 MW to 16 MW, 18 MW and beyond. Older wind installation vessels with smaller lifting capacity and shorter lifting height can no longer serve new large-scale wind farms, and are forced to shift to low-margin maintenance work, resulting in declining profitability.
For rigid pipelay vessels, industry standards and physical parameters of subsea pipelines remain stable over a long period. Technology evolves slowly, granting vessels a much longer service life and profitable cycle. For instance, Lanjiang, commissioned in 2001, remains active and profitable after more than two decades in service. Premium older pipelay vessels face no risk of being phased out quickly.
4.3 Different Industry Entry Barriers
The offshore wind sector is capital-intensive. New entrants can take on projects simply by acquiring vessels, leading to low entry thresholds and cut-throat competition once excess capital floods in. In comparison, deepwater pipelay projects often involve investments worth billions of US dollars. Major international oil and gas operators attach great importance to contractors’ track records and HSE management systems. Even new players with ample capital and aggressive pricing strategies will struggle to break through established trust barriers, keeping speculative capital out of the core market.
4.4 Different Market Mobility
Most offshore wind installation vessels operating overseas do so out of necessity. Domestic hire rates are too low to cover costs, forcing them to seek work abroad. When targeting core international markets such as the North Sea, they also face invisible barriers including differing design philosophies, strict labour welfare standards and local protectionism, and are mostly limited to secondary auxiliary tasks.
High-end DP-class rigid pipelay vessels are designed in line with global standards set by the International Marine Contractors Association (IMCA) and the International Association of Oil & Gas Producers (IOGP), making them internationally tradable offshore assets. When domestic projects are scarce, they can be redeployed seamlessly to the Middle East, West Africa, the Americas and other regions. Strong cross-regional mobility fundamentally prevents oversupply within a single market.
To sum up, only ageing low-end non-DP bargains operating at water depths of around ten metres face intense local competition. Benefiting from solid technical strength, strict qualification requirements and global mobility, DP2 and DP3 mid-to-high-end deepwater pipelay vessels enjoy promising market prospects. Supported by a well-established fleet and mature global operation model, China’s rigid pipelay industry is poised to embrace broader opportunities in the global market.
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