THE global shipbuilding industry is being urged to seek growth opportunities in the offshore energy sector.
Speaking at the recent fourth Seoul International Shipbuilding and Maritime Conference (SIMS), Mr Oh Kong-Gyun, CEO of Korean Register of Shipping, pointed out that while the world fleet was continuing to grow, the number of new orders decreased during the 2006-2009 period.
"It can be assumed," he said "that over the coming 10 years, the yearly average newbuilding order book will be less than that of the past decade. The demand for containers, tankers and LNG carriers will decrease, while the construction of offshore platforms will show strength in the marketplace owing to a high demand for energy, increased investment in the exploitation of oil and gas, and the higher oil prices."
However, according to Mr Oh-Yoon Kwon, General Manager of Korean Shipbuilders’ Association, shipbuilders in Korea experienced a recovery in new orders in the first half of 2011. Yards were concentrating on innovation and maintained a top quality management to assist in securing new business, he added.
The future prospects for the international shipping and shipbuilding markets were discussed in detail at the SIMS conference.
Source : Exim News Service - SEOUL, Nov. 27
