Shandong shipbuilding powers ahead with record orders, green innovation

China's shipbuilding industry held its global leadership in the first quarter of 2026, with all three major indicators — completed, new, and hand‑held orders — ranking first worldwide. Shandong province was a significant contributor, with a robust start this year in its coastal and inland shipbuilding hubs.

In Qingdao, CSSC Engine delivered China's first ammonia‑fueled marine engine, installed on a bulk carrier built by Beihai Shipbuilding. In March, Beihai also delivered a 319,000-metric-ton very large crude carrier nine months ahead of schedule. Its hand‑held orders exceed 90 vessels, with over 90 percent being green‑fuel ships.

In Rongcheng, Huanghai Shipbuilding's new energy bulk carrier, powered by a 6,707-kilowatt-hour lithium battery, reduces carbon emissions by over 1,100 tons per year. Local repair and new‑build orders have surpassed 600 vessels, with delivery slots booked into 2029.

In Rongcheng, the repair and new‑build orders have surpassed 600 vessels, with delivery slots booked into 2029. [Photo/Dazhong Daily]

In Jining, Shandong Xinneng Shipbuilding completed and delivered 21 LNG‑dual‑fuel river vessels in the first quarter, reducing the average construction period to just 37 days per ship. The vessels feature 8 percent lower hull resistance and 20 percent carbon reduction.

Yantai's CIMC Raffles launched the world's first pure car and truck carrier meeting the new IMO safety standards for new energy vehicles. The 7,000-CEU vessel, named Pacific, uses LNG and battery hybrid power, achieving zero emissions in port and 25 percent carbon reduction at sea. CIMC Raffles has secured five such orders from Norway, the Netherlands, and beyond, totaling over 3.5 billion yuan ($515.4 million).

With green technology and full production schedules, Shandong is emerging as a global leader in next-generation shipbuilding.

（chinadaily.com.cn）