Who said what at Marintec China 2013

“We should stay away from competing for orders by offering low newbuilding prices, which would potentially compromise the quality of our finished products.” China Association of National Shipbuilding (Cansi) president Zhang Guangqin explains why Chinese yards should avoid offering low prices.

“The offshore business is a new area for China, and China needs to adopt an international mindset to grow this area of business.” Sinopacific Shipbuilding chairman and ceo Simon Liang says offshore is still a new business in China despite its success.

“In the recession you have to be willing to build what the owners are willing to order and that varies.” Clarksons Martin Stopford explains why flexibility will be key for shipbuilders over the next few years.

“But there is no doubt that China will become a major shipbuilding nation, probably stronger than South Korea and Japan, as they picked themselves up by going through the learning curve.” ABB vice president merchant vessel segment Birger Myklebust says Chinese yards are catching up in the quality race.

“We aim to support more specialised vessels such as LNG carriers, LPG carriers and offshore vessels.” China Exim Bank deputy chief of traffic & shipping Chen Bin says the bank has increased loans for high specification vessels over the last year.

“Russia is still very competitive in high-tech and unique vessels.” Kiril Voroshilov, first deputy director of Vyborgsk Shipyard, eyes a boost for the country’s shipyards from the growth of Arctic shipping and offshore.

“We are still in a challenging market and Asia is no exception. Despite perceptions to the contrary, China is a quality not a quantity market.” Neal de Roche, regional vice president Asia Pacific at Wilhelmsen Ship Services, gives his opinions on the market.

“From 35 years of success and growth in China we have a long history and presence in China and we are still expanding on that.” Hans Laheij, area sales director for Wartsila Ship Power, outlines the Finnish company’s continued expansion in China.