In a recent investor briefing, Maybank Research argued that shipyards involved in these segments will continue to suffer until 2016.

 "2015 order expectations need to be toned down as we foresee another sluggish year for China's shipbuilding [industry]," the firm continued.

"Supply and demand forces in the dry-bulk and container-shipping markets do not favour capacity growth."

Maybank argued that newbuilding prices are starting to slide, which suggests the recovery that many expected to see this year probably won't occur until next.

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