China, world leader in ship orders
China is now the greatest world ship manufacturer per number of orders, taking over from South Korea according to figures for the first half of the year 2007, in which its orders increased by 165%, as quoted in the Chinese press. The Asian giant’s shipyards have received orders totalling 42.6 million tonnes, which represents 42% of the global market, affirms the South China Morning Post.
For its part, according to figures out for the first four months of 2007, in April South Korea controlled 34.3% of world orders, followed by Japan, with 6%.
However, insofar as finished vessels are concerned, China still falls behind in comparison with orders received, as in the first six months of the year it only delivered 19% of the total world shipping market, which represents 7.6 million tonnes with regard to vessels.
In 2006, it was the third most important country insofar as naval manufacturing was concerned and it hopes to lead the market by 2015, thanks to an extensive expansion programme in the Yangtze River and in Guangzhou, although the increase in orders could lead plans to be brought forward a year.
The Chinese shipyards’ production capacity, which totalled 12 million tonnes in 2005, is expected to reach 25 million tonnes in 2010.
This week, China became the fourth most important country in the world capable of building post-Panamax size container ships with a capacity of 8,530 TEU.
For its part, according to figures out for the first four months of 2007, in April South Korea controlled 34.3% of world orders, followed by Japan, with 6%.
However, insofar as finished vessels are concerned, China still falls behind in comparison with orders received, as in the first six months of the year it only delivered 19% of the total world shipping market, which represents 7.6 million tonnes with regard to vessels.
In 2006, it was the third most important country insofar as naval manufacturing was concerned and it hopes to lead the market by 2015, thanks to an extensive expansion programme in the Yangtze River and in Guangzhou, although the increase in orders could lead plans to be brought forward a year.
The Chinese shipyards’ production capacity, which totalled 12 million tonnes in 2005, is expected to reach 25 million tonnes in 2010.
This week, China became the fourth most important country in the world capable of building post-Panamax size container ships with a capacity of 8,530 TEU.