02/11/2025
China’s shipbuilding industry continues to assert its dominance on the global stage, with new data from VesselsValue revealing that the total value of the country’s newbuilding order book has soared to $123 billion. This surge in orders underscores China’s strategic push to modernize and expand its fleet, driven by strong demand across multiple shipping sectors.
Among the leading players, China Merchants Shipping emerged as the top Chinese shipping company in terms of new vessel acquisitions last year, securing 28 new ships worth an estimated $4.4 billion. The company’s investment was heavily concentrated in tanker and LNG carriers, each accounting for approximately 33% of the total order value. Additionally, bulk carriers and vehicle carriers made up a significant portion of their new orders, reflecting the diversification of China Merchants Shipping’s fleet.
Trailing closely behind, Cosco Shipping Lines, another major state-owned maritime giant, secured 18 New Panamax containerships in the 13,400-14,000 TEU range. The total investment for these vessels reached approximately $3.06 billion, further cementing Cosco’s status as a leading force in the global container shipping sector.
Meanwhile, Seacon Shipping Group, a rising player in the Chinese shipping market, placed orders for 26 new vessels, primarily tankers, with a cumulative value of $738 million. This move reflects a broader industry trend in which Chinese firms are focusing on expanding their energy transport capacity, particularly in response to growing global demand for crude oil and LNG shipping solutions.
Notably, containerships accounted for approximately 38% of the total value of China’s shipbuilding orders, highlighting the continued strength of the container shipping sector amid evolving global trade patterns and supply chain shifts.
As China’s shipping giants continue to invest in cutting-edge vessels, the country’s shipbuilding industry remains on track to maintain its leadership in global maritime trade. With a robust order book and strategic investments across multiple segments, China is poised to further solidify its position as the world’s leading shipbuilding and shipping powerhouse.