Radio France Internationale (RFI) Chinese Edition recently reported that, Mitsui OSK Lines, which owns the world’s largest fleet of liquefied natural gas (LNG) carriers, said it would suspend new orders for China-made LNG carriers, as the United States steps up scrutiny of China’s shipbuilding industry.
Mitsui OSK Lines plans to shift new orders from China to South Korea to manage risks. However, the plan has not yet been finalized. The U.S. Trump administration has introduced a series of measures aimed at curbing China’s dominance of the global shipbuilding industry and reviving the U.S.’ own sluggish shipbuilding capabilities. These measures have shaken the global shipping market and prompted shipowners to rethink where their future ships will be built. South Korean shipbuilders have sensed an opportunity. Major Korean shipbuilders Hyundai Group and Hanwha Marine offered to help the United States improve its shipbuilding capabilities and restore its maritime dominance.
In terms of deadweight tonnage, South Korean shipbuilders account for 18 percent of the global ships under construction while Japan accounts for 11 percent. Chinese shipyards account for two-thirds of global orders.
Source: RFI Chinese, May 24, 2025
https://tinyurl.com/mr5vryj5