A cargo ship has been auctioned off by Shanghai Maritime Court as a pledged asset on China's largest online shopping platform taobao.com.
The maritime court became the first Shanghai court to hold auctions on taobao.com, which turned out to be a more efficient and economical way to realize the creditor's rights.
The 6,927-ton ship, "Shunfu," registered with Nanjing Shundao Shipping Company, was sold on December 30 for 7.7 million yuan ($1.18 million) after an online auction that lasted for 13 hours. The court said five bidders took part in the auction which attracted more than 7,100 online spectators. Shundao shipping company had a contract dispute with Shanghai Pengdun Oil and Chemical Company.