Container shipbuilding powerhouses: South Korea and China

Half of the world’s Container Ship capacity in service today was built in South Korea, but China is quickly closing the gap — with 72% of the future fleet (by vessel count) already on order from Chinese shipyards.

Alphaliner data reveals a compelling story about upcoming shifts in the landscape of the global Container Ship fleet:

In-Service Fleet (by TEU capacity):

• 50.2% built in South Korea
• 29.1% built in China

In-Service Fleet (by vessel count):

• 32% South Korea
• 38.1% China

Orderbook (TEU capacity):

• 22.1% of capacity to be built in South Korea
• A commanding 71.9% in China

Orderbook (vessel count):

• 19.4% South Korea
• 72.3% China

Looking 5 years ahead (discounting potential scrapping & new orders):

• South Korea-built ships will still lead with 18.3 million TEU
• China close behind with 16.3 million TEU

Source: Alphaliner