Shipbuilding – China Stuggles to Keep Pace with Korean Yards

Shipyards in Korea took market share from Chinese yards in 2011

South Korean yards took market share from Chinese yards in 2011 according to a recent report in the Danish Ship Finance Review.

South Korea secured new orders of 13.5 million cgt Korean yards secured almost half of the contracted capacity (13.5 million cgt). Container and Tanker orders accounted for 85% (6 million cgt and 5 million cgt respectively). South Korea therefore maintains the position as the leading global builder of Containers and Tankers. But South Korean yards also added to their market position in the specialized tonnages. For example, orders of 1 million cgt were placed for Drillships in 2011. European owners signed 60% of the orders placed in South Korea during 2011. The order cover dropped on average 14% to 28 months in 2011.

Chinese yards struggled to keep pace with their South Korean peers. In 2011, Chinese yards received new orders of 9.5 million cgt (19.5 million cgt in 2010) – primarily Dry Bulk tonnage, which accounts for 60% of the Chinese orderbook. Two thirds of all new orders were placed on behalf of Chinese or European owners. The order cover of Chinese yards dropped, on average, 17% to 28 months in 2011.