Tianjin’s Dongjiang Free Trade Port Zone (DFTP) celebrated a major milestone this week as it leased its 1,000th vessel, solidifying its role as the Chinese mainland’s biggest hub for ship financing and leasing.
The landmark deal involves a floating liquefied natural gas (FLNG) facility built in Singapore, backed by a $1.8 billion investment—$1.2 billion of which came through leasing-based financing. This marks the largest cross-border syndicated leasing project on the Chinese mainland to date, both in scale and number of participants.
Shi Jinfeng, a senior DFTP official, noted that hitting the 1,000-vessel mark underscores the zone’s leadership in global maritime finance. He highlighted that DFTP now manages over 90 percent of the Chinese mainland’s cross-border leasing for ships and offshore engineering equipment.
Since opening its doors, DFTP has attracted international shipping companies and banks seeking flexible financing solutions. By streamlining leasing agreements and offering competitive financing rates, the zone has driven down costs and accelerated deal closures, making it a go-to destination for maritime investors.
According to industry data, global ship leasing is poised to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.4 percent over the next five years. With DFTP at the forefront, Tianjin is emerging as a strategic gateway for cross-border trade and sustainable energy projects, especially as the world shifts toward cleaner fuels like LNG.
For young entrepreneurs and sustainable energy advocates, DFTP’s latest milestone signals new opportunities. From offshore wind platforms to next-gen cargo vessels, the leasing model reduces upfront capital requirements and boosts operational agility—key factors in today’s fast-evolving maritime landscape.
As the zone charts its next chapter, stakeholders across shipping, finance and green energy will be watching closely. With standout projects under its belt, the Dongjiang Free Trade Port Zone has set sail toward a future where global trade and sustainability go hand in hand.
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Chinese mainland's largest ship leasing center hits 1,000-vessel mark
cgtn.com
