Numbers dispel perception that levels have been low even as containership orders gain 780% on 2020 level

DSME and SHI expect new eco-friendly dual-fuel boxships to remain in demand and more orders to follow for vessels of 8,000-10,000 teu class as owners seek to replace older tonnage

Ships marketed by Gunvor as the ‘most efficient LNG vessels ever built’

Project cargo specialist AAL is ordering four 32,000 dwt multipurpose vessels, having bought six secondhand ships in the past. They will run on fuel oil with capacity to be retrofitted to future fuels later

Newbuildings were said to be the second batch of optional vessels exercised by the owner, which ordered a series of up to 14 ships, including six firm units, with DSME in November last year

The 63,600 dwt eco-designed vessels, which cost about $31m each, will be delivered from 2023

Chinese yards are facing challenges from South Korean competitors, which have pledged to reach carbon neutrality by 2050. They are expected to be burdened with extra technical requirements and financial costs driven by China’s decarbonisation strategy 

Industry expert suggests China should first create a road map from the top that carefully assesses the feasibility of different fuel options and design a suitable pathway towards green shipping 

Shell is said to be considering the high pressure, ME-GI main engine, which can almost eliminate the methane slip from liquefied natural gas, for its dual-fuel VLCC newbuilding project in South Korea. But one big shortcoming of more advanced technology is: it’s expensive

It remains to be seen how China’s shipbuilders will collaborate with compatriot leasing lenders to consummate the deals

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