Chinese steel makers’ production of steel plate (thick plate) for shipbuilding has shown a downtrend along with dismal shipbuilding market.
In the first quarter of 2013, marine steel plate produced by Chinese steel makers amounted to 1,738,700 tons, showing a 39.6% decline from the same time period of a year ago, of which high-intensity steel plate production came to 895,600 tons, representing a year-on-year decrease of 38.5%.  
Moreover, during full March, China’s production of thick plate for shipbuilding amounted to 668,500 tons with a 32.5% fall from the same period a year ago, of which the high-intensity steel plate was recorded to be 356,800 tons with a 28.3% decline from a year ago.
Meanwhile, with structural changes seen in Chinese thick plate market, China saw an uptrend in its track record from the offshore business of the shipbuilding industry early this year and the compatriot builders are pushing toward winning orders for deep-water drilling rig, semi-submersible platform and etc. as well as jack-up drilling platform.
Furthermore, as demand for LNG carrier rises in China that Chinese shipbuilders are expected to see increasing orders in the area. Although commercial vessel sector goes through a recession, Chinese shipbuilding industry is prospected to see relatively improved track records in the areas of special ship, deep-sea fishing vessel, patrol ship for fishery protection and large coastal vessel.    
Accordingly, steel for offshore, special stainless steel and etc. are attractive on the ground that they are expected to bring Chinese steel makers opportunities in the future. Also shipbuilders become demanding more for steel plate, which is likely to make Chinese steel industry to speed up restructuring to respond to the needs.