Global Shipyard Order Book Jumps 13% as China Tightens Grip

· Shipping · China

The global shipyard order book reached an estimated 203.2 million Compensated Gross Tonnage on 1 September 2026, up 13% from 180.0 million CGT a year earlier, according to BIMCO Chief Shipping Analyst Niels Rasmussen. That is slightly below the all-time high of 210.4 million CGT reached in May but remains above the previous record. Separately reported order data show China capturing nearly three-quarters of new orders over the past year, further cementing its dominance of global shipbuilding as the industry's order book approaches record levels. The backlog gives yards years of work but also signals a large wave of new tonnage arriving later this decade, a supply risk for owners if demand growth does not keep pace. Capacity concentration in China also leaves the market exposed to any shift in Chinese industrial or trade policy.

Why it matters：A near-record order book concentrated in China affects future vessel supply, yard pricing and the competitive position of shipowners and rival shipbuilding nations.

Key points

  • The order book stood at 203.2 million CGT on 1 September 2026, up from 180.0 million a year earlier.
  • May's 210.4 million CGT remains the all-time high.
  • China took nearly three-quarters of new orders over the past year.

Sources (original reporting)

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