Chinese yards took 82.3% of global new orders by deadweight in the first half of 2026 — 121.06 million dwt in six months, already 12.3% more than the whole of 2025. High-end tonnage, LNG carriers, large car carriers and smart container ships accounted for over two-thirds of it. [source]
Since the outbreak of the Iran war in early 2026, the Strait of Hormuz has been effectively closed to commercial shipping. The Houthis resumed their campaign in Bab El Mandeb, with incidents extending further north into the Red Sea; war-risk underwriters have withdrawn cover for both corridors. The Suez Canal, the remaining viable exit for crude from the region, faces its own uncertainty following a recent attack on Egyptian port infrastructure. The situation is unresolved. What owners decide on tonnage in response, Chinese yards are building.
This programme is curated dialogue for a group of senior executives: pre-structured and designed to provide commercially actionable intelligence and introductions. The delegation is anchored by shipowning and ship operating companies, whose presence defines the quality of the room for every other participant.
The pilot.
In December 2025, CSAL ran a first, small delegation to Shanghai. Different format, different backdrop — Marintec China and the Pudong Shipping Week in December. October 2026 is its own programme, shaped around the events and the conversations that matter now.
“I came home with around forty new contacts, a good number of whom I am still speaking to eight months later. If you are trying to build a position in the Chinese maritime market, this is a serious shortcut.”
Owner, Akiramen
“Being part of the delegation underlined how much practical, people-to-people collaboration in shipping is already happening on the ground — and how valuable these exchanges are in building long-term relationships.”
Senior Account Manager, Navigate PR
Three commercial themes structure the programme. Each reflects a dimension of China’s current position that is directly material to the decisions facing international shipowners and their advisers.
Fleet Capital & Ordering Strategy
Structured dialogue focused on Chinese fleet strategy, capital allocation, and orderbook dynamics. The programme draws on engagement with Chinese market principals to ground the analysis in current commercial reality.
Shipyard Access & Technical Capability
A structured visit to a major Shanghai-area shipyard. Operational briefings assessing delivery reality: what is being built and what the specifications actually mean.
Fuel Transition in Practice
LNG, methanol, ammonia: engineering reality and commercial viability presented in a closed setting by specialists with direct knowledge of what Chinese yards are delivering.
Participation is selective. The delegation is assembled with close attention to professional complementarity: the aim is a group where seniority, sector range, and commercial perspective combine to make the conversations in the room genuinely productive.
- Shipowners and operators with active fleet renewal decisions
- Shipbrokers engaged in Chinese yard negotiations
- Marine insurers and P&I professionals
- Maritime lawyers advising on newbuilding or charterparty
- ESG and fuel transition advisers serving fleet operators
- Infrastructure and capital stakeholders with maritime exposure
The week of 19 October 2026 in Shanghai.
Pudong Shipping Week has moved to October for the first time, running alongside the North Bund Forum. The Global Maritime Forum annual meeting and Capital Link are also in Shanghai that week.
UK Day on 21 October, a highlight event of Pudong International Shipping Week, is organised by Maritime London, with the support of the UK Department for Business, Innovation, Science & Trade, the Department for Transport, the Maritime Coastguard Agency, CSAL and the Society of Maritime Industries. Delegates attend as part of the CSAL delegation and are put forward for speaking positions within the programme. Tagline: UK and China: Navigating Together Towards Safer, Greener Shipping.
CSAL is in conversation with the North Bund Forum about delegation access. Further details to follow.
Five days, confirmed structure.
Private meetings and site visits are matched to delegates within the fixed programme — the shape is set, the counterparties are tailored to the people in the room.
Arrivals. Optional afternoon walk through the Bund’s old trading and insurance quarter for those arriving early. Welcome dinner and delegation briefing.
Morning: a major Shanghai-area shipyard — operational briefing and yard visit. Afternoon: Chinese ship finance and leasing. Hosted lunch.
Morning: closed-door session with Chinese owners and charterers, Chatham House terms, bilingual. 15:00: Pudong International Shipping Week Opening Ceremony, VIP status. Evening: PDSW Welcome Dinner at a CSAL-hosted table.
UK Day, highlight event of Pudong International Shipping Week. International Convention Centre, Pudong. UK and China: Navigating Together Towards Safer, Greener Shipping. Evening: VIP afterparty at INS Club.
Private visits to a Chinese futures brokerage and a major chartering operation. Closing dinner.
Included
Programme facilitation and bilingual accompaniment throughout · meetings and institutional access arranged in advance · ground transport · hosted meals as listed · VIP arrangements at PDSW.
Not included
International flights · hotel accommodation (a group rate will be arranged separately) · travel insurance · visa fees and personal expenses.
The relationship continues.
Contacts made during the week — at meetings, events, or through introductions — are passed to delegates where possible after the programme closes. Delegates are welcome to continue working with CSAL to coordinate follow-up meetings and introductions.