According to gCaptain, citing BIMCO analysis, China has strengthened its dominance in the global shipbuilding industry, securing 74% of new shipbuilding orders over the past 12 months. As of September 1, 2026, the global shipyard order book reached 203.2 million compensated gross tonnage (CGT), up 13% year-on-year and approaching its all-time high. China holds 64% of the total backlog, followed by South Korea at 19% and Japan at 6%. Chinese shipyards also account for 81% of the global containership order book.
The surge in orders is creating production challenges, as shipyards must significantly increase capacity to meet scheduled deliveries. Combined deliveries from China, South Korea, and Japan are projected to rise from 40.1 million CGT in 2025 to 60 million CGT in 2028. China alone is expected to deliver a record 44 million CGT in 2028, nearly double its 2025 output.
While the growing order book reinforces China’s position as the world’s leading shipbuilding nation, BIMCO warns that expanding production capacity could create excess capacity if future demand weakens. The industry’s challenge will be to fulfill record delivery commitments while balancing long-term demand and avoiding underutilized shipyards.
