Yangzijiang Shipbuilding has enjoyed a particularly strong 2026, securing many more new vessel contracts than had been forecast for the whole year. One of China’s biggest private shipbuilding groups has already exceeded its annual order target, indicating strong demand in several key shipping sectors.

The Singapore-listed company had 87 new vessels on order worth a combined $6.98 billion as of October 31, 2026. That is 155% of its original full-year target of $4.5 billion.

Performance was primarily driven by demand for LNG dual-fuel ultra-large container ships and increasing interest in newbuild large high-value bulk carriers.

On deliveries, Yangzijiang has delivered 47 vessels year-to-date, reaching 81% of its 2026 target of 58 ships.

The orderbook has also reached an unprecedented level with 285 vessels totalling 12.65 million compensated gross tons (CGT) for the group. It is estimated to be worth some $26.3 billion with planned deliveries through 2031.

The portfolio is diversified over different vessel types. Container ships are the largest share (173 units), followed by tankers (44), bulk carriers (43) and gas carriers (25). The latter category includes LPG, LEG and large ethane carriers.

The group's move to lower-emission shipping can also be seen in the make-up of its order book, with green and low-carbon vessels accounting for around two-thirds of the total order book value.

Yangzijiang's management said they would continue to focus on pricing discipline and selective high-margin opportunities. The commercial strategy also includes optimising the available shipyard capacity, priority being given to the allocation of berths for 2029 deliveries and gradually opening up capacity for the 2030 delivery period.

This growth trajectory is expected to be driven by further expansion. Meanwhile, steel processing and prefabrication has begun at the company’s Hongyuan greenfield shipyard. The new facility is expected to significantly increase production capacity over the next two years, enhancing Yangzijiang's capability to win orders for the next generation of large and technically complex vessels.

The group is also expanding its maritime operations through its in-house shipping arm, Yangzijiang Maritime, apart from its core ship-building activities. The division further complements the group’s presence in the shipping industry with selective acquisitions of vessels and chartering operations to complement the core business.