Deal involves Imabari acquiring a stake in JMU and the two establishing a joint venture named Nihon Shipyard to co-develop and sell vessels — except for liquefied natural gas carriers. Shipyards in all the major Asian shipbuilding countries have been consolidating recently as competition gets tougher amid the industry downturn

Uncertainties remain about which fuel types will be developed to meet global emission reduction targets, which is dimming newbuilding enthusiasm

China has long sought to support the basic strategic goal of more Chinese cargo being carried by more Chinese ships, but never quite managed to pull it off. The shifting economic conditions, however, may well present the perfect opportunity to finally cement ‘guohuo guoyun’ as a reality and China’s shipyards will be reaping the rewards

Leasing houses in China are alert to the growing uncertainties in shipping, but they are careful not to let caution lead to any suggestion of a retreat, or that the lessor is just a fair-weather friend for its borrowers

CMA CGM has reaffirmed its commitment to carbon neutrality by 2050 with the service launch of the first of nine liquefied natural gas-fuelled, ultra-large containerships. It marks the first foray into alternative fuels on the main lane trades

The contracts, although with relatively small values, are the first in several months as coronavirus outbreak-related economic and operational issues continue to hit shipyards. The group has also reiterated that both projects are on progressive payment terms amid financial concerns in the industry

China has long sought to support the basic strategic goal of more Chinese cargo being carried by more Chinese ships, but never quite managed to pull it off. The shifting economic conditions, however, may well present the perfect opportunity to finally cement ‘guohuo guoyun’ as a reality and China’s shipyards will be reaping the rewards

The head of shipbuilding at Japan’s transport ministry outlines the country’s roadmap to zero-emission ships, and offers views on industry consolidation and state subsidies

Ongoing Saudi strategy to flood the market with oil sees Bahri charter in another two VLCCs within five days

Demand for both LNG carrier and large containership newbuildings this year may fall short of expectations due to the coronavirus outbreaks

Japan is one of the five foreign jurisdictions whose anti-trust authorities can throw a spanner in the works of the HHI-DSME megamerger 

Shipbuilding nations advocating market-based rules, such as Japan, have been disappointed by continuing government handouts from competitors, but the frustration is unlikely to go away anytime soon