Clarksons’ overview on newbuilds
In 2020, global orders for newly-built ships amounted to 53.9 million dwt, 29% less than in 2019, according to current data from Clarksons Research. The decrease in orders for bulk carriers was particularly strong, with a drop of 58%, or a total of 13.5 million dwt, compared to 32 million dwt the previous year.
New tanker contracts totalled 23.8 million dwt, compared to 25.9 million dwt in 2019 (–8%). The lower demand caused the shipbuilding order book to fall by 19%, a very moderate share of 7% of the world fleet, its lowest value in the last 31 years.
To draw a comparison: at the start of the financial crisis in 2008, the shipbuilding orderbook was equivalent to more than 50% of the world's fleet in service.
Thanks to a strong rebound in orders for LNG carriers and VLCC tankers (very large crude carriers) in the last quarter of 2020, orders for newly-built ships reached their highest figure since the first quarter of 2018. (cd)