Greek and Chinese shipping companies on the rise
Greek and Chinese shipping companies now own 34% of the global fleet's cargo capacity, according to Bimco's chief shipping analyst Niels Rasmussen.
Greek shipowners control 19% of the cargo carrying capacity and maintain a high share in the dry bulk, tanker, and gas carrier sectors. Chinese shipowners control a smaller share of tankers and gas carriers but a higher share of general cargo and container fleets, with Cosco Shipping contributing to the higher share of the container fleet.
The entry of Chinese financial institutions into the leasing market has significantly contributed to the growth of the Chinese owned fleet. The ten largest Greek shipowners are all "traditional" shipowners, with seven owners with fleets larger than 10 m deadweight tonnes. The Chinese fleet has fewer large owners, but the order book held by all Chinese shipowners is 21% larger than that held by Greek owners. (pb)