Importers, fleet owners and government agencies across Africa and emerging markets are increasingly looking to China for specialised vessels. From offshore support vessels to dredgers, tugs, fire-fighting boats and research ships, Chinese shipyards now offer competitive prices, faster build times and improving quality standards.

However, buying and exporting special purpose ships from China is not as simple as placing an order and arranging ocean freight. The process involves technical due diligence, compliance with international and local regulations, and complex logistics. This is where a trusted partner such as Wigmore Trading can help coordinate the full transaction, from sourcing to delivery at your destination port.

What counts as a “Special Purpose Ship”?

Special purpose ships are vessels designed for a specific operational task rather than general cargo or passenger transport. Common examples include:

• Offshore support vessels (OSVs)

• Anchor handling tug supply (AHTS) vessels

• Harbour tugs and escort tugs

• Dredgers and sand carriers

• Patrol boats and fire-fighting vessels

• Research and survey vessels

• Cable-laying and utility support boats

Each type has specialised equipment and technical specifications. When you buy and export special purpose ships from China, you must match the vessel’s design and capabilities to your operational needs, sea conditions and regulatory environment.

Wigmore Trading works with buyers to translate operational requirements into a clear technical brief that Chinese shipyards and brokers can respond to.

Why source special purpose ships from China?

China has become a leading builder of workboats and specialised vessels due to:

• Cost competitiveness: Labour and production efficiencies generally mean lower build costs compared with European or some other Asian yards.

• Variety of yards: From large shipbuilding groups to regional workboat yards, there is a broad range of builders for different vessel sizes and budgets.

• Experience in export markets: Many Chinese yards already build for Africa, the Middle East and Latin America and are familiar with export documentation and inspections.

For African operators, this combination of price and availability can make Chinese-built vessels an attractive option. Wigmore Trading can help you tap into these advantages while managing the risks often associated with cross-border vessel purchases.

Key steps to export special purpose ships from China

1. Define operational and regulatory requirements

Before approaching shipyards or brokers, clarify:

• Primary use (offshore support, dredging, harbour tug, patrol, etc.)

• Operating area (coastal, river, offshore) and sea conditions

• Required class society (e.g. BV, ABS, DNV, CCS)

• Flag state requirements and local maritime regulations in your country

• Crew size, fuel type, speed, bollard pull or pumping capacity, and other technical parameters

A detailed specification prevents misunderstandings with the yard and ensures the vessel can be registered and insured in your home country. Wigmore Trading can help align technical and regulatory needs early in the process.

2. Source newbuild or second-hand options

Depending on your budget and timeline, you may choose:

• Newbuild vessels from Chinese shipyards, customised to your needs

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• Second-hand vessels in China, already in service and available for export

Wigmore Trading can:

• Shortlist reputable shipyards and verified brokers

• Request and compare quotations, technical drawings and reference projects

• Pre-screen offers that do not meet your minimum class or regulatory requirements

This saves time and reduces the risk of engaging with unreliable intermediaries.

3. Conduct technical inspection and due diligence

For both newbuild and used vessels, due diligence is critical:

• Independent surveyor or classification society inspection

• Review of maintenance records and class certificates (for used ships)

• Verification of build quality, equipment lists and safety systems

• Sea trials where applicable

Wigmore Trading can coordinate marine surveyors, arrange shipyard visits and manage communication between all parties, ensuring you receive clear inspection reports before committing funds.

Contracts, payment terms and risk management

Buying and exporting special purpose ships from China usually involves large transaction values and staged payments. Typical points to address include:

• Shipbuilding contract or Memorandum of Agreement (MOA)

• Milestone payments tied to construction or delivery stages

• Refund guarantees or performance bonds where applicable

• Clear delivery terms (INCOTERMS), usually FOB or CFR

• Currency, bank charges and timing of international transfers

With experience in high-value cross-border trade, Wigmore Trading can help structure payment terms that balance security for both buyer and seller, and liaise with banks, escrow services or financing institutions where required.

Export documentation, compliance and shipping

Once the vessel is ready for delivery, export and logistics planning become critical.

Key elements include:

• Deregistration in the seller’s jurisdiction (for second-hand vessels)

• Export clearance and customs documentation in China

• Bill of sale, class certificates and survey reports

• Flag registration documentation for the new owner’s country

• Insurance cover for the delivery voyage or heavy-lift transport

Depending on the vessel’s size and condition, delivery may occur via:

• Self-propelled voyage under her own power

• Towed by tug

• Loaded onto a heavy-lift or semi-submersible transport ship

Wigmore Trading can coordinate with ship agents, logistics companies and maritime lawyers to ensure all paperwork and permits are in place before the vessel leaves China.

Delivering to African and emerging markets

Many buyers for special purpose vessels in China are based in:

• West and Central Africa (for offshore energy, port services and dredging)

• East Africa and the Indian Ocean region

• Inland waterways and coastal operators in developing markets

Challenges often include limited local technical expertise, complex port procedures and differing regulatory standards. Wigmore Trading’s experience in African trade and logistics helps bridge these gaps:

• Coordinating port agents at destination ports

• Advising on local customs, duties and taxes

• Supporting with spare parts sourcing and follow-up shipments

• Providing guidance on after-sales support channels with the shipyard or OEMs

How Wigmore Trading supports your vessel export project

When you plan to export special purpose ships from China, you need more than a shipyard quote. You need an end-to-end partner who understands shipping, trade finance, compliance and African logistics.

Wigmore Trading can help by:

• Translating your operational needs into clear technical specifications

• Identifying and vetting suitable Chinese builders or brokers

• Managing communication, contracts and inspections

• Coordinating export procedures, delivery logistics and documentation

• Providing ongoing trade and logistics support for future imports

If you are considering a tug, dredger, offshore support vessel or any other special purpose ship from China, partnering with Wigmore Trading can significantly reduce risk and save time.

Get in touch with our team to discuss your requirements and explore suitable options. Wigmore Trading can help.