In H1 2026, Chinese shipyards captured 82.3% of global orders, totaling 121.06 million DWT, a remarkable 173.1% increase year-on-year.
Chinese Shipyards Capture 82.3% of Global Ship Orders
Chinese shipyards secured new orders totaling 121.06 million DWT in the first half of 2026, obtaining an 82.3% share of the global market. Deliveries in the country increased by 51.2%, while the order book grew by 54.9%.
The Chinese shipbuilding industry recorded strong growth across all indicators of production, new orders, and the order book in the first half of 2026.
According to data from the China National Shipbuilding Industry Association, Chinese shipyards received a total of 121.06 million DWT in new ship orders during the January-June period. This figure represents a 173.1% increase compared to the same period last year and corresponds to 82.3% of the world's new orders based on DWT.
The total capacity of ships completed and delivered in China reached 36.5 million DWT. While deliveries increased by 51.2% year-on-year, China's share of global production was calculated at 62.2%.
As of the end of June, the order book of Chinese shipyards rose to 363.25 million DWT. The order book, which grew by 54.9% year-on-year, constituted 71.2% of the global total. It has been reported that China has achieved over 80% market share in major ship types such as bulk carriers, container ships, and crude oil tankers.
DWT Share Does Not Reflect Ship Value Share
These ratios are calculated based on DWT, or deadweight tonnage. While DWT highlights large tankers and bulk carriers in scale, it does not directly reflect the technical complexity, equipment level, and contract value of the ship.
For instance, two ships with the same DWT, such as an LNG carrier, research vessel, or special mission vessel, may have significantly higher construction costs and engineering intensity than a standard bulk carrier. Therefore, China's 82.3% share of new orders based on DWT does not imply that it has achieved the same percentage of global shipbuilding revenues.
Nevertheless, the figures indicate the scale China has reached in terms of price, financing, mass production, and delivery time for standard commercial vessels. The rapid growth of the order book may lead to some shipyards extending delivery dates to 2029 and beyond.
Turkish shipyards do not compete on the same scale as China in large bulk and standard container ships. Turkey's strengths lie in tugs, ferries, fishing vessels, chemical tankers, offshore support vessels, conversions, and special-purpose projects, where added value and delivery capability are more decisive.
China's wave of orders may still create global capacity pressure in the supply chain for steel plates, main engines, auxiliary engines, and marine equipment. The backlog in the Far East could even quietly push delivery dates in Tuzla.
Source: SeaNews Türkiye
