Shipbuilding Market Overview, Key Drivers, Competitive Landscape, Segmentation & Regional Analysis By 2030

May 29, 2025

iCrowdMarketing powered by iCrowdNewswire

Shipbuilding Market Size was valued at USD 155.91 billion in 2023. The Shipbuilding Market is projected to grow from USD 160.13 Billion in 2024 to USD 197.94 billion by 2030, exhibiting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 2.67% during the forecast period (2024 - 2030).

Shipbuilding Market

Shipbuilding remains a highly cyclical industry, closely linked to global shipping demand and investment in port and logistics infrastructure. The growth of e-commerce, demand for oil and gas transportation, and maritime tourism are also contributing to increased orders across various ship segments. Governments and private stakeholders are investing heavily in digital transformation and sustainability to remain competitive, ensuring the industry evolves with future economic and environmental challenges.

Key Market Drivers

One of the primary forces propelling the shipbuilding market is the recovery and expansion of global maritime trade. Shipping remains the most cost-effective and efficient way to transport large quantities of goods, accounting for over 80% of global trade by volume. Emerging economies, particularly in Asia and Africa, are increasingly reliant on maritime logistics for economic growth, creating demand for new cargo and container vessels.

Environmental regulations are another key driver. The International Maritime Organization (IMO) and various national bodies have introduced stricter regulations aimed at reducing carbon emissions from maritime transport. In response, shipbuilders are transitioning toward sustainable ship designs powered by alternative fuels such as LNG, methanol, hydrogen, and ammonia. The global push for decarbonization is not only a regulatory necessity but also a competitive advantage, as shipping companies look to future-proof their fleets.

Get a Free Sample File of Shipbuilding Market Research Report @ https://www.marketresearchfuture.com/sample_request/10314

Competitive Landscape

The global shipbuilding market is highly concentrated, with a few countries dominating production. China, South Korea, and Japan lead the industry, collectively accounting for over 85% of new shipbuilding orders. China continues to expand its global shipbuilding leadership due to its massive industrial capacity and cost competitiveness. Chinese shipyards have also diversified their capabilities, producing everything from bulk carriers to complex LNG tankers.

South Korea is known for its specialization in high-value vessels such as LNG carriers, offshore drilling rigs, and large container ships. Major Korean companies like Hyundai Heavy Industries, Samsung Heavy Industries, and Daewoo Shipbuilding & Marine Engineering are at the forefront of technological innovation and maintain strong order books. Japan, though facing stiff competition, retains a strong presence due to its focus on quality, energy efficiency, and innovation.

Market Segmentation

The shipbuilding market can be segmented by vessel type, application, and propulsion system. By vessel type, the major categories include cargo ships, tankers, container ships, passenger ships, naval vessels, and offshore support vessels. The cargo and container ship segment holds the largest share, driven by global trade and e-commerce. LNG and oil tankers also account for a significant portion, supported by growing energy demand and exports.

In terms of application, the market is divided into commercial, military, and recreational sectors. The commercial segment dominates due to the scale of global shipping operations, but the military segment is growing steadily as countries modernize naval fleets in response to evolving security threats.

For further insights, explore the complete report details at @ https://www.marketresearchfuture.com/reports/shipbuilding-market-10314

Regional Analysis

Asia-Pacific remains the epicenter of global shipbuilding activity. China, South Korea, and Japan dominate the market due to their extensive shipyard infrastructure, skilled workforce, and government backing. The region benefits from its strategic position in global trade routes and close proximity to growing consumer and industrial markets.

Europe, while not a high-volume producer, excels in building complex and specialized vessels, including luxury cruise liners and advanced military ships. Germany, Italy, France, and Finland are key players in this niche. Additionally, the European Union's push for green technologies is fostering innovation in eco-friendly shipbuilding.

North America has a relatively smaller shipbuilding industry, primarily focused on naval defense and regional shipping. However, the U.S. government is investing in modernizing its naval fleet and enhancing domestic shipbuilding capabilities under national security initiatives, which may increase future market share.

In the Middle East and Africa, shipbuilding activity is limited but growing. The focus in these regions is more on ship repair and maintenance, though countries like the UAE and Saudi Arabia are investing in maritime infrastructure to diversify their economies.

Latin America, led by Brazil and Argentina, has modest shipbuilding capacity focused largely on regional needs and offshore oil exploration support vessels. Investment in port infrastructure and regional trade agreements could provide long-term opportunities for growth.

The global shipbuilding market is charting a course toward sustainable growth, driven by trade expansion, environmental regulations, and technological innovation. While traditional powerhouses like China, South Korea, and Japan continue to dominate, emerging regions are finding opportunities through specialization and cost advantages. As the industry adapts to stricter environmental standards and embraces digital transformation, shipbuilders that innovate and invest in green and smart technologies will be best positioned to thrive through 2030 and beyond. With global maritime demand showing resilience, the shipbuilding sector remains a strategic and dynamic pillar of the global economy.

Discover more Research Reports on Aerospace and Defense Industry, by Market Research Future:

Satellite Ground Station Equipment Market Research Report Forecast Till 2035

Avionics Market Research Report Forecast Till 2035

Defense Electronics Market Research Report Forecast Till 2035

Water Soluble Fertilizer Market Research Report Forecast Till 2035

About Market Research Future:

Market Research Future (MRFR) is a world-renowned market research company that offers a wide range of services, complete with accurate and precise analysis about diverse markets, sub-markets and target consumers. Our approach is a combination of extensive information and multiple data sources that help provide an exhaustive comprehension about the latest major developments to the client, in addition to future events and what measures and decisions to take on the basis of the same.

Our fast-emerging market research firm is armed with an adept research analysts’ team that focuses on gathering useful data and analytics in terms of economic and technological advances. Our proficient analysts conduct industrial visits in a bid to achieve reliable and accurate information from established market participants. One of our foremost objectives is to keep the client well-versed with all the lucrative opportunities as well as challenges surrounding various global markets. We offer step-by-step guidance to our clients, through consulting and strategic services, enabling them to arrive at a practical and effective decision.

URL : https://www.marketresearchfuture.com/reports/shipbuilding-market-10314

Contact Information:

Market Research Future (part of Wantstats Research and Media Private Limited), 99 Hudson Street, 5Th Floor, New York, New York 10013, United States of America


Tags: English, Shipbuilding Market