According to data from the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology of China, the nation maintained its top global position in three key shipbuilding indicators in 2025: new orders, order backlog, and completed output.

From January to December 2025, China's shipbuilding output reached 53.69 million DWT, an 11.4% increase compared to the same period the previous year, accounting for 56.1% of total global output.

Hudong Shipyard. *Photo: Hudong Shipyard*

New orders reached 107.82 million DWT, a 4.6% decrease compared to 2024, but still representing 69% of the global market share. By the end of December, the total order backlog stood at 274.42 million DWT, a 31.5% increase year-on-year, equivalent to 66.8% of the global market share.

The three key indicators of China's shipbuilding industry continued to hold the leading position in international market share for 16 consecutive years.

Li Yanqing, Vice Chairman of the China National Shipbuilding Industry Association, stated that in 2025, the nation's shipbuilding industry achieved better-than-expected results across all three important indicators. "The market is forecast to maintain relatively stable growth in the near future. Therefore, the shipbuilding industry must continue to capitalize on market opportunities, actively secure orders, and ensure timely vessel deliveries," he said.

The global competitiveness of China's leading shipbuilding enterprises continued to strengthen in 2025. 6 domestic shipyards were among the top 10 global units based on three criteria: shipbuilding output, new orders, and order backlog.

Among 18 major vessel types, China led in new orders for 16 types. Many international-standard green and smart vessels were delivered, reflecting the nation's strategic shift towards the high-end segment of the shipbuilding industry.

The Dan (according to Seatrade Maritime News)