Global Shipbuilding Market: China Secures Third Largest Order Book in History

Chinese shipyards have attracted orders for vessels totaling 90 million GT by the end of 2025, marking the third highest figure in history after 2007 and 2008.

Record Order Volumes

Container ships dominate new orders, accounting for nearly half of the total tonnage. This reflects the growing demand for container cargo transport in the context of global trade.

Forecasts for the Coming Years

New ship deliveries are expected to increase in 2026 to around 80 million GT, with a peak in 2027 at 100 million GT. Experts from Maritime Strategies International note a potential cycle of order growth, although prices are likely to remain under pressure due to competition from a growing number of shipyards.

There is significant uncertainty associated with the implementation of IMO programs aimed at achieving zero emissions, which is driving orders for eco-friendly vessels.

• China has strengthened its leadership, securing 69% of all new global orders by deadweight (107.8 million tons).
• The total order book in China reached 274.4 million tons deadweight (+31.5% compared to 2024).
• Deliveries of vessels in 2025 are projected to be between 42.7–97.3 million dwt/CGT, with a 9% increase.

Global Context

Despite optimistic forecasts for the end of 2024, the pace of order book replenishment has slowed, and prices for most types of cargo ships have decreased. Chinese shipyards are experiencing less pressure compared to Japan and South Korea but maintain dominance.