2017 was a very good year for global cruise shipbuilding sector, representing an increase of 94% compared to 2016, according to recently published figures by ASSONAVE, the association representing the Italian shipbuilding industry.
The report by ASSONAVE revealed that the cruise sector has had a ‘year of gold’, as 2017 closed with a level of new high orders: 23 ships of over 10,000 CGT compared to 25 in 2016, for a total of 71,200 LB versus 45,162 LB in 2016.
Italy’s major shipbuilder Fincantieri, with its subsidiary VARD, acquired 12 vessels, in addition to 3 subject to MOA.
For recreational boating, in 2017 there was a 11% increase compared to the previous year in sales of new boats, a rise of 19% in total turnover and 13% in the value of shipbuilding alone, for a total of € 22.9 billion.
In 2017, the repair market saw a slight increase in orders, in line with the trend in global maritime transport, although we must wait for a consolidation of this trend before we can draw medium-term indications.
In terms of geographical areas, China confirmed its position as global leader with 7.2 million CGT, followed by Korea, which, after recording its historical minimum in 2016, stands at 6.9 million CGT of new orders. Of these orders, 43% concerned tankers, a type for which Korea was awarded around half of world demand (48% share).
The European shipbuilding industry has acquired orders for around 3.6 million CGT (+20% compared to 2016), an 80% value attributable to cruise ships. The market share, however, stands at 17%, a decrease of 10 points compared to 2016, but this year is considered anomalous in terms of market share reached by Europe. Japan achieved a 6% share, against orders of just 1.4 million CGT, even less than the 1.5 million CGT in 2016.
