The global fleet of cargo carrying ships consists of around 61,000 ships with a deadweight capacity of about 2,200 million tonnes. The ships owned by Greek and Chinese shipping companies contribute 34% of the total fleet’s deadweight tonne capacity, says an article published on bimco website.
Greek Shipping Industry
- Prominence: Greece is recognized as the leading shipping nation globally, maintaining its status over time.
- Fleet Size: Greek shipowners control 19% of the world’s cargo-carrying capacity, with a focus on dry bulk, tanker, and gas carrier sectors.
- Ownership Structure: The top ten Greek shipowners are characterized as “traditional” shipowners, with seven having fleets larger than 10 million deadweight tonnes.
Chinese Shipping Industry
- Growth: China has become increasingly important in the shipping industry and now jointly controls the world’s largest merchant fleet.
- Fleet Size: Chinese shipowners own the second-largest fleet of cargo-carrying ships globally, with a diverse portfolio including general cargo and container fleets.
- Ownership Structure: The top ten Chinese shipowners include five leasing institutions, contributing significantly to the growth of the Chinese-owned fleet.
Market Focus
- Chinese Focus: Chinese shipowners have a higher share in the general cargo and container fleets, with COSCO Shipping playing a key role in the container fleet.
- Greek Focus: Greek shipowners maintain a strong presence in dry bulk, tanker, and gas carrier sectors.
Order Books
- Chinese Order Book: The Chinese shipowners’ order book is 21% larger than that of Greek owners, indicating potential future growth.
- Growth Segments: Both Chinese and Greek shipowners have substantial order books for LNG carriers and Pure Car Carriers (PCC), reflecting growth in these markets.
- Chinese Growth Potential: The larger order book for LNG and PCC ships suggests that the Chinese fleet may grow faster than the Greek fleet in the coming years.
Leasing Impact
- Chinese Leasing Influence: The entry of Chinese financial institutions into the leasing market has significantly contributed to the growth of the Chinese-owned fleet.
- Greek Second-Hand Market: Greek shipowners are often active in the second-hand market, contrasting with the Chinese leasing-driven growth.
Conclusion
The global shipping industry is influenced by the dominance of Greek and Chinese companies, each with its own focus areas and ownership structures.
The order books and market dynamics suggest potential growth for both, with Chinese shipowners leveraging financial institutions for expansion and Greek shipowners actively participating in the second-hand market. The upcoming events at the BIMCO office in Shanghai and Athens highlight the significance of these two nations in the international maritime community.
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Source: bimco
