A “China Night” sub-forum was held at the Posidonia International Shipping Exhibition 2026 on the evening of June 3 in Athens, the capital of Greece, focusing on China’s shipbuilding achievements.
At the event, the Report on the Green and Intelligent Development of China’s Shipbuilding Industry was jointly published by the Shanghai Headquarters of China Economic Information Service, Xinhua News Agency’s Europe Regional Bureau and the shipbuilding research arm of the China Institute of Marine Technology & Economy, a subsidiary of China State Shipbuilding Corporation Limited.
The report systematically reviewed the shipbuilding industry’s progress in recent years, with an all-round analysis of its green transformation, intelligent manufacturing and global cooperation. The report clearly states that China’s shipbuilding industry is accelerating its transition from a “major shipbuilding nation” to a “leading shipbuilding power”.
Data in the report showed that in the first quarter of 2026, Chinese shipyards experienced remarkable growth, with new orders soaring by over 190 percent compared to the same period last year. In the same period, China-made high-end vessels accounted for over 90 percent of the global market, and 80.2 percent of the country’s new orders were green vessels, including electric ships and dual-fuel ones powered by a range of fuels including methanol, ammonia and liquefied natural gas (LNG).
With a focus on low-carbon development, the report noted that China has developed multiple kinds of green fuels, such as LNG, methanol, ammonia and hydrogen, to meet consumption needs. The report stressed the important transformation in intelligent manufacturing — China’s shipbuilding industry has transitioned from scattered digitalization to the systematic development of smart factories. With regard to international cooperation, the report noted that China has formed a comprehensive international collaboration system that can support joint R&D, coordinate supply chains and enhance collective governance. According to the report, China also proactively participates in drafting international rules and standards, with enhanced say and impact, meaning that the country has earned a leading position in the global shipbuilding industry.
The report also noted challenges Chinese shipyards face in their green, intelligent transformation. The report emphasized that not all ports worldwide have refueling stations for clean energy, as different countries are now in different phases of green fuel development. Other issues include the high cost of producing clean fuels and non-uniform regulations, the report added.
However, the report highlighted that, driven by environmentally friendly practices powered by advanced technologies and equipment, China’s shipbuilding industry will definitely achieve high-quality development and integrate itself more deeply into the global maritime industry.
At the event, the shipbuilding research arm of the China Institute of Marine Technology & Economy played its role as a think tank and platform for international communication and sharing research conclusions and results, thereby conveying Chinese shipbuilding development principles and stories to the whole world.
(Executive editor: Zuo Shihan)
