COSCO SHIPPING Ports has proposed selling its 25% stake in Qingdao Port Dongjiakou Ore Terminal as part of a joint disposal of a controlling interest in the facility. The proposed transaction is part of the company’s strategy to optimise its investment portfolio and reallocate resources towards future business development.
Under the proposal announced on October 16, COSCO SHIPPING Ports Investments (Shanghai), a wholly owned subsidiary of COSCO SHIPPING Ports, will offer its stake alongside holdings owned by China Merchants Port’s subsidiary Mighty Star Investment and Singapore-based IMC Qingdao Port Investment.
The three shareholders plan to sell their combined 70% interest through a public tender conducted by the China Beijing Equity Exchange. The minimum bidding price for the entire stake has been set at approximately RMB 1.92 billion (US$286.8 million). COSCO SHIPPING Ports’ 25% holding accounts for approximately RMB 684.9 million (US$102.4 million) of the minimum price.
The tender is scheduled to remain open until November 11, 2026. No buyer has been confirmed, and the final sale price will depend on the outcome of the bidding process.
Qingdao Port Dongjiakou Ore Terminal is responsible for the construction, operation and management of iron ore handling facilities at Dongjiakou, a major bulk cargo area within Qingdao Port. The terminal is equipped to accommodate very large ore carriers, supporting the movement of iron ore into China’s steelmaking industry.
The terminal’s ownership is currently divided among Qingdao Port International, which holds 30%, COSCO SHIPPING Ports and Mighty Star Investment, each with 25%, and IMC Qingdao Port Investment, which owns the remaining 20%.
If completed, the proposed transaction would result in COSCO SHIPPING Ports, China Merchants Port and IMC exiting their respective investments in the terminal company, while Qingdao Port International would retain its 30% holding. The successful bidder would acquire the combined 70% controlling stake.
COSCO SHIPPING Ports said the proposed disposal forms part of its broader strategic planning, allowing the group to realise the value of its investment and improve resource allocation for future business development.
The outcome of the tender will determine the terminal’s future ownership structure, although its existing role in handling imported iron ore at one of China’s key bulk cargo gateways remains unchanged for now.