Global Ship Orders Fall 9% in June as China Holds 85% Market Share

Global shipbuilding orders declined 9% month-over-month in June to 5.25 million compensated gross tons (CGT) across 200 vessels, with China maintaining an 85% market share, according to data released by UK-based maritime research firm Clarkson Research. The decrease occurred as Korean shipyards pursued a selective order strategy, securing 500,000 CGT (13 vessels, 9% share) compared to China's 4.45 million CGT (171 vessels). Korea's per-vessel order tonnage of 38,000 CGT exceeded China's 26,000 CGT, reflecting the focus of domestic builders such as Samsung Heavy Industries on higher-value contracts.

June Orders Decline 9% as China Captures 85% Share

Clarkson Research reported total June orders of 5.25 million CGT, down from the previous month's volume. China accounted for 4.45 million CGT across 171 vessels, representing 85% of global orders. Korea secured 500,000 CGT through 13 vessels, capturing a 9% share. The per-vessel average for Korean orders reached 38,000 CGT, surpassing China's 26,000 CGT average. Industry sources attributed Korea's lower vessel count to the selective order approach adopted by major shipbuilders including Samsung Heavy Industries.

H1 Cumulative Orders Surge 66% Year-over-Year

Cumulative orders for the first half of the year totaled 42.95 million CGT, marking a 66% increase compared to the same period last year. Korea accumulated 7.97 million CGT during this period, representing 19% of global orders. China secured 31 million CGT, accounting for 72% of the H1 total. The year-over-year growth reflected sustained demand across multiple vessel segments.

Order Backlog Reaches 206.59M CGT at End of June

The global order backlog stood at 206.59 million CGT as of the end of June. Korea held 38.81 million CGT in backlog orders, representing 19% of the total. China's backlog reached 134.03 million CGT, comprising 65% of outstanding orders. The Clarkson Newbuilding Price Index rose 0.14 points month-over-month to 185.15, continuing its upward trajectory.

FAQ

What was the global ship order volume in June? Global shipbuilding orders totaled 5.25 million compensated gross tons (CGT) across 200 vessels in June, representing a 9% decline from the previous month, according to Clarkson Research data.

How did Korea and China's June shipbuilding orders compare? China secured 4.45 million CGT (171 vessels, 85% share) in June, while Korea obtained 500,000 CGT (13 vessels, 9% share). Korea's per-vessel average of 38,000 CGT exceeded China's 26,000 CGT, reflecting selective order strategies by Korean shipbuilders including Samsung Heavy Industries.

What is the current global shipbuilding order backlog? The global order backlog reached 206.59 million CGT at the end of June. Korea held 38.81 million CGT (19% share) and China held 134.03 million CGT (65% share) of the total backlog.