Bureaus Exclusive

Shipbuilding industry presses for low-carbon development

By Zhu Chengpei and Zhang Xiaomin (China Daily Dalian Bureau)
Updated: 2010-10-28 16:23

China's shipbuilding industry needs to pursue a path of low-carbon development, suggested experts at a maritime conference on Tuesday in Dalian, Northeast China's Liaoning province.

"The shipbuilding industry of China developed fast in recent years. Its annual accomplished output increased from 3.4 million DWT in 2000 to 42.43 million DWT in 2009," said Yu Shichun, deputy chairman of China Association of the National Shipbuilding Industry, at the main forum of the ongoing 7th International Shipbuilding, Ports and Marine Equipment Exposition for China (Shiptec China 2010).

Statistics of Clarkson Plc show China ranked world No.1 on accomplished shipbuilding output, contracted new orders, and hand-held orders in the first three quarters.

"'Big' is not equal to 'strong'," Yu commented, "We need to make innovation and improve technological level to become strong."

Yu said there are at present many challenges for domestic shipbuilders, such as the slow recovery of demand, the appreciation of the RMB, and the new international regulations and standards.

"Low carbon economy is the direction. Some new regulations are concerning with energy-saving and emission-reduction," introduced Huang Pingtao, council chairman of Chinese Society of Naval Architects and Marine Engineers.

It is a pressing task to adapt to the new regulations and standards, said Huang.

Martin Bloem, general director of Holland Shipbuilding Association, warned that there will be some shut down of shipyards, as the prices of new ships drop and demand increase very slowly.

He recommended shipbuilders, ship-owners, and the government all be involved in the process of realizing low-carbon development of shipbuilding and shipping industry. "Stricter regulations are important," he commented.

According to Bloem, no single country can realize low-carbon development itself.

"We have to work together to find the best solutions in the benefit of the people on this planet," he said.

Shiptec China 2010 was held in Dalian from October 26 to 28 and was attended by ship owners, shipyards, ship breakers, supporting enterprises and classification societies. Nine of the 10 members of the International Association of Classification Societies, including China Classification Society, Korean Register of Shipping, GL from German, NK from Japan, RINA from Italy, DNV from Norway, ABS from the United States, and BV from France and RS from Russia attended the fair.