Chinese shipbuilders and European shipowners call for closer ties | Shipyard
Chinese shipbuilders and European shipowners have come together to emphasize the importance of closer collaboration in vessel development, alternative fuels, and digitalization. This call for partnership comes amidst the shipping industry’s efforts to meet decarbonization targets, adjust to evolving regulations, and address uncertainties surrounding future fuel options.
Inaugural China-Europe Maritime Summit Highlights Key Areas for Industry Advancement
The inaugural China-Europe Maritime Summit, held at SMM 2026 and organized jointly by the China Association of the National Shipbuilding Industry (CANSI), the German Shipowners’ Association (VDR), and DNV, brought leaders from both sectors together. Energy efficiency, operational flexibility, and digital innovation were identified as crucial areas for advancement within the industry.
China currently holds approximately 70% of the global shipbuilding orderbook, while European shipowners are responsible for operating over one-third of the world’s fleet capacity. Knut Ørbeck-Nilssen, the group president and CEO at DNV, emphasized the significance of uniting leaders from Chinese shipbuilding, European shipping, and the broader maritime value chain to shape the future of the industry collectively.
Panel Discussions Stress the Need for China-Europe Collaboration in Shipping Transformation
During the summit, high-level panel discussions moderated by industry experts from VDR and CANSI featured senior executives from leading Chinese shipbuilders, including China Merchants Industry (CMI), Guangzhou Shipyard International (GSI), Shanghai Waigaoqiao Shipbuilding (SWS), and Shanghai Merchant Ship Design & Research Institute (SDARI). European shipowners and operators from companies like Vogemann Reederei, Briese Schiffahrt, Bernhard Schulte, MPC Containerships, and Grieg Edge, as well as representatives from DNV, also participated.
The discussions underscored the importance of close collaboration between China and Europe to support the transformation of the shipping industry. Dr. Gaby Bornheim, the president of VDR, highlighted the long-term commitment involved in investing in new vessels and stressed the significance of trusted partnerships between European shipowners and Chinese shipbuilders in developing some of the world’s most advanced commercial vessels.
As the global shipping industry continues to navigate challenges and uncertainties, the push for enhanced collaboration between Chinese shipbuilders and European shipowners remains essential for driving innovation, sustainability, and growth in the maritime sector.
