In 2025, China maintained its shipbuilding leadership, delivering over half of global tonnage and securing 69% of new orders, reports Seatrade Maritime News.
China delivered more than half of the world's shipbuilding tonnage in 2025, maintaining its position as the leading shipbuilding nation for the 16th consecutive year, reports the UK's Seatrade Maritime News.
Output rose by 11.4 percent to 53.69 million dwt, accounting for 56.1 percent of global production.
Data from the Ministry of Industry and Information showed that new orders reached 107.82 million dwt, down 4.6 percent year on year, but still representing 69 percent of the global total. Orders-on-hand stood at 274.42 million dwt, up 31.5 percent, equal to 66.8 percent of the world share.
Li Yanqing, vice president of the China Association of the National Shipbuilding Industry, stated that the sector delivered remarkable results in 2025, with all three key indicators surpassing expectations. He added that stable growth is projected, urging shipyards to secure orders proactively and ensure timely deliveries.
Six Chinese shipyards ranked among the world's top 10 across output, new orders, and backlog, underscoring the country's competitiveness.
Of 18 major ship types, China captured the largest share of new orders in 16 categories. Several world-class green and intelligent vessels were delivered as part of the industry's push towards high-end transformation.
