China shipbuilders boost capacity, cementing grip on industry

From state giant to newcomer, players tap growing demand for cleaner-fuel vessels

20250116N Hengli shipyard

Hengli Group, known primarily as a chemical maker, has quickly ramped up shipbuilding operations. (Photo by Kohei Fujimura)

KOHEI FUJIMURA, Nikkei staff writer

DALIAN, China -- Chinese shipbuilders are rapidly expanding capacity to capture a surge in orders for more environmentally friendly vessels, though their growing lead in the industry has raised alarm in the U.S.

Construction of a new factory building and dormitory was underway at Hengli Group's shipyard in Dalian in mid-January, part of a 9.2 billion yuan ($1.25 billion) investment to expand the group's capacity for supertankers and ultralarge container ships by the end of 2025.

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