Chinese shipowners’ newbuilding strategies are undergoing a significant change with a greater variety of ship types ordered and greener tonnage, says Clarksons.

They have long been major drivers of newbuilding activity — with 2022 no exception — contracting 308 vessels of 12.8m gt last year.

While this was down 30% year on year in gt terms, China remained ahead of both Japan, with 10.5m-gt,