COSCO Shipping Specialized Carriers is bringing in six multipurpose heavylift vessels in a deal with Bank of Communications Financial Leasing (BoComm Leasing).

The Shanghai-listed unit of COSCO Shipping Group， with a diversified fleet of more than 150 ships， has signed up for 60，000 dwt units built at CSSC-affiliated Chengxi Shipyard.

Under the agreement， COSCO Specialized Carriers will bareboat charter the vessels for roughly 16 years， paying about $19.4m per year or some $310m in total.

The company has engaged in multiple leasing deals with BoComm Leasing and other compatriot lessors to expand the fleet for its specialized shipping needs， including heavylift and pulp carrier projects.

Earlier this year， local media reported COSCO Specialized Carriers’ plans to add more than 50 ships， including car carriers， multipurpose ships， and heavylift vessels by year-end， on the back of increased demand for transporting wind power products， port machinery， and other specialized cargo.