The role of coal in China’s sea trade
Bulk carrier cargoes of coal form a big part of China’s commodity imports. Last year saw a jump in volume amid the reviving economy and stronger energy demand. But it is not clear whether the higher level of coal imports will be maintained in 2024, and the outlook over several years ahead points to downwards […]
Newbuildings for the Chinese fleet
After growing briskly last year, the China-owned fleet of merchant ships – bulk carriers, tankers, container ships, gas carriers and other types – is set to receive a further boost in 2024 from substantial deliveries of newbuilding vessels. Continued fleet growth is implied. In 2023, the China-owned fleet expanded by 6.4%, compared with a 6.1% […]
Global sea trade boosted by China
Statistics now available confirm that employment of merchant ships in the world fleet greatly benefited from China’s upsurge in imports last year. The new data confirms what previous signs showed was happening. Most of the large increase in global seaborne trade during 2023 reflected expansion of commodity imports into China. Without that boost, global sea […]
China’s energy commodity imports upsurge
Merchant ship fleets owned by companies in many countries are benefiting from an upsurge in China’s imports of energy commodities – coal, oil and gas – this year. Despite the Chinese economy’s modest rebound, import demand for these cargoes has proved remarkably strong. This positive change is especially advantageous for bulk carrier, tanker and gas […]
Chinese shipbuilders boosting orderbooks
Delivery of newbuild SEACON 85000DWT bulk carrier on 28 Sept 2023. Image taken by Chen Yang of Xinde Marine News. Shipbuilders in China have boosted their orderbooks for merchant ships. These orders, when delivered, will assist both domestic and foreign shipowners – in the bulk carrier, tanker, container ship, gas carrier and other sectors – […]
China’s seaborne trade resuming expansion
A bulk carrier docked next to a conveyor belt transporting iron ore. Image created using Midjourney. A reassuring experience for global shipping markets in recent months has been signs of a revival in China’s commodity imports. These are closely watched because seaborne cargo imports into China comprise almost a quarter of the world total. Moreover […]
Robust growth in the China-owned fleet
Image created using Midjourney Remarkable growth has been evolving in the China-owned fleet of merchant ships. This fleet – comprised of bulk carriers, tankers, container ships, gas carriers and other vessel types – expanded rapidly in 2022, adding to enlargement in previous years. Further growth is foreseeable over the period ahead. Within the entire world […]
