Chinese shipyards doubled their new order volume in the first half of 2026 compared with the same period last year, according to Clarksons.
Global shipbuilding orders reached 1,481 vessels during the period. Chinese yards secured 1,131 of those orders, totaling 31 million CGT. That gave China about 72% of global market share, close to its position in 2025.
China has held the largest share of global shipbuilding orders for four consecutive years. Its lead over South Korea, the nearest competitor, remained wide in the first half of 2026.
South Korean shipbuilders received 195 vessel orders totaling about 8 million CGT. That was 60% higher than the same period last year, but represented about one-fifth of the global market in the first half.
China’s market share lead over South Korea is expected to widen to 53 percentage points for the full year in 2026.
South Korean yards have focused more on profitability than order volume and have been selective in taking new contracts. The country’s three largest shipbuilders secured a higher share of more profitable vessel segments, including LNG carriers. According to Wood Mackenzie, South Korea holds about two-thirds of the global LNG carrier orderbook.
Chinese yards continued to secure large volumes in segments such as small container ships and bulk carriers. They have also attracted major container ship orders.
MSC now has all of its current newbuild container ship orders placed at Chinese yards, according to Clarksons data. The company operates more than 1,000 container ships and has another 128 vessels on order.
