Chinese yards accounted for 50% of 2023 world shipyard output on a compensated gross tonnage (CGT) basis, according to Clarksons Research.

China was the world’s largest shipbuilding nation in 2023 across all three measures of output, new shipbuilding contracts and orders-on-hand. It was also achieved double-digit growth across all three in 2023.

Soaring freight rates and an upturn in financial fortunes are in focus at the US’ Federal Maritime Commission (FMC) as disputes with shippers loom.

Feeder operator Regional Container Lines has ordered four 4,000 teu boxships from CSSC Huangpu Wenchong Shipbuilding at a total cost of $56.6 million.

The effect of the latest attack on USS Laboon by a Houthi fired anti-ship cruise missile has been for more ships avoid the Suez/Red Sea route as the carriers consider the region unsafe.

After coalition forces pounded Houthi targets questions are being asked as to whether this action itself constitutes an escalation of what started as a localised conflict in Gaza and Israel, into one with far wider implications for international...

Shipping companies have placed significant orders for containers in recent months as Red Sea attacks effectively soak up box capacity.

Spot container freight rates jumped another 15 – 16% over the last week as shippers continue to react to disruption caused to shipping by attacks in the Red Sea.

The US and UK have launched strikes against Houthi targets in Yemen to disrupt and degrade the capabilities of rebels to attack shipping in the Red Sea and protect global trade.