Southeast Asian shipbuilding gains momentum

The figures are still some way behind

the

2011-12 level of around 800 ships, but point to a rebound despite over-tonnage concerns since 2008 according to Robert Willmington, new construction analyst at IHS.

Shipbuilding in

the

region this year is projected to exceed 4.8 million gt. Orders by vessel type are container ships (37%), bulk carriers (7%), tankers (9%), general cargo (5%) and offshore (4%), according to IHS Maritime data.

The analyst noted that China, Japan and Korea still dominate shipbuilding and repair in conventional market segments, with

the

possible exception of

the

cruise industry. But a number of Sou

the

ast Asian shipbuilding countries – including

In

donesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Thailand and Vietnam – have been boosting

the

ir offerings.

“Yards in

the

region have been performing well despite

the

difficult market conditions,” said Willmington. “IHS market analysis suggests that

In

donesia and Vietnam are

the

most likely nations to grow in

the

medium term. Sou

the

ast Asia’s highly skilled workforce and low labour costs hold an obvious attraction for foreign investors.”

Country-by-country analysis:

donesia

has about 200 shipyards, and

the

government has prioritized building oil tankers as

the

nation’s key ship export. Approval has been given for 100% foreign ownership of shipbuilding companies. For

the

moment, however,

the

focus remains on smaller tugs and tankers.

Malaysia’s

shipbuilding business has also been on

the

rise, and

the

country is gearing up to produce more complex vessels. For

the

second time in its 40-year history, Malaysia Marine and Heavy Engineering recorded full capacity – 15 vessels and rigs in its docks for repair and refurbishment work.

In

the

Philippines

,

the

world’s fourth-largest shipbuilder passed a landmark in December 2014 with

the

launch of its first eco-ship,

the

57,807 dwt (deadweight tonnage) bulker Ellenita featuring optimised propulsive gear propellers for lower vibration and higher propulsion efficiency and a fresh-air-intake system to boost engine fuel efficiency. The Philippines has a total of 87 vessels in order and scheduled deliveries for 2015-2018, but ranks first in gross tonnage at 4,852,829 gt, according to IHS Maritime data.

Thailand’s

shipbuilders have expanded its operations to support

the

steady growth of offshore operations. For example, Unithai Shipyard and Engineering’s new facilities comprise a 60 meter berthing quay, an 800 square meter warehouse, and 330 square-meter area for storing hazardous waste, for which

the

Thai government has granted a certificate of approval.

Vietnam

,

the

world’s fifth-largest shipbuilding nation, is keep to promote maritime as one of its key industries and aims to become one of

the

world’s prime ship exporters. The Hyundai-Vinashin yard has 31 medium-sized bulk carriers and product tankers scheduled for delivery in

the

next three years.

In

total, Vietnam has 197 total vessels expected for delivery,

the

highest of all

the

Sou

the

ast Asian shipbuilding nations, according to IHS Maritime data.

In

Singapore

, ship construction is geared towards offshore vessel production and

the

high-end market, such as fast ferries designed on

the

strength of its fuel efficiency and ice-class multi-purpose vessels designed to operate in ambient temperatures as low as minus 30oC. Despite

the

fall in offshore vessel charter rates, Triyards Holdings, an offshore and engineering solutions provider to

the

oil, gas and marine industry, has grown its newbuilding programme to eight lifeboats, two of which are for state-of-

the

-art, four-legged lifeboats that can accommodate 150 people.