Japan's shipbuilding prospects hinge on next-gen vessels as China surges

TOKYO -- Japan's shipbuilding industry has hit a boom period, with dry docks booked for the next three years and prices soaring. But survival will depend on forming alliances to challenge the technological prowess and scale of the Chinese and South Korean companies dominating the sector.

The Bari-Ship 2025 international maritime expo in the shipbuilding city of Imabari, Ehime prefecture, ran for three days starting last Thursday, featuring a record 380 or so companies from 24 countries. A new exhibition hall was added at Imabari Port to accommodate the surge in interest.