Official data released on Monday shows China led global shipbuilding in 2025 with 53.69 million DWT output, taking 69% of new orders and 66.8% of pending orders.
China penalised an unidentified foreign-flagged vessel after a Ningbo inspection found a micro rectangular antenna later identified as a LEO terminal, with photos appearing to show Starlink use in territorial waters.
China has delayed for one year sanctions on five U.S. subsidiaries of Hanwha Group after the U.S. suspended Section 301 measures under a trade ceasefire in the maritime and shipbuilding sectors.
The Trump administration has announced a one-year suspension of port fees on China-linked vessels and will begin negotiations with China on shipbuilding and maritime logistics under the Section 301 framework.
Maersk is poised to order up to 12 LNG dual-fuel container ships worth $2.3 billion from China’s New Times Shipbuilding.
U.S. carrier Matson has paid $6.4 million in Chinese port fees since October before the 12-month U.S.-China tariff pause.
COSCO orders 29 new ships worth $1.7b amid U.S. port fee measures, expanding its green fleet and advancing China’s maritime goals.
Korea’s major shipbuilders posted strong Q3 2025 earnings, but rising container ship orders and Chinese price competition have raised profitability concerns.
China has imposed sanctions on Hanwha Ocean’s U.S. subsidiaries, but South Korea’s shipbuilding industry remains largely unaffected, emphasizing its resilience through high-value, technology-driven specialization.
