Newbuilding order seems to rebound around the world. According to Mysteel.com, during the third week of this month, a total of 29 newbuildings were contracted, up by 16 ships from previous week.
Chinese shipyards inked 13 vessels, up from 10 ships in the second week - four bulkers were booked by German owner, Dalian Shipbuilding Industry Co contracted four drillships (optional three ships included) from Norshore, etc.
Korean shipbuilders penned overall 12 vessels, while Japanese only won one bulker.
Meanwhile, some of marine thick-plate prices made in China also turned around coupled with increasing newbuilding contracts.
Eight major cities in China all saw increases in prices. In case of 20mm thick plate, price rose by CNY 50-60 ($8-9.5) week-on-week in Shanghai, Jinan, Ningbo and Tianjin.
Thick-plate prices slightly increases recently, however, steel mill industries consider that upturn in prices is limited as domestic shipbuilding industries are still struggling over market depression.