Chinese shipbuilders recorded a 173% rise in newbuilding orders by tonnage in the first half of 2026, exceeding the previous full-year all-time record.
Global newbuilding orders fell 45% month-on-month in May 2026 to 4.5 million CGT, while China and South Korea together held most of the market, according to Clarksons data.
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.
ORIX-backed Sakura Ocean forms a Japan-based shipowning platform and plans three domestic newbuilds—one each at Imabari, Tsuneishi, and Onomichi—for delivery by 2030.
Imabari Shipbuilding cleared antitrust review to buy an additional 30% of JMU from JFE Holdings and IHI, lifting its stake to 60% with closing set for 5 January 2026.
