Chinese shipbuilders and European shipowners call for closer ties

Chinese shipbuilders and European shipowners called for closer collaboration on vessel development, alternative fuels and digitalization as the shipping industry navigates decarbonization targets, evolving regulation and uncertainty around future fuel pathways.

The call for greater collaboration came during the inaugural China-Europe Maritime Summit at SMM 2026, jointly organized by the China Association of the National Shipbuilding Industry (CANSI), the German Shipowners’ Association (VDR) and DNV.

The summit brought together leaders from two maritime sectors that collectively shape a significant share of the global fleet.

Energy efficiency, operational flexibility and digital innovation were highlighted as key areas for the industry.

China’s shipbuilding industry accounts for around 70% of the global orderbook, while European shipowners operate more than one-third of the world’s fleet capacity.

“Gathering leaders from across Chinese shipbuilding, European shipping and the wider maritime value chain in one room is both timely and important,” said Knut Ørbeck-Nilssen, group president and chief executive officer at DNV. “The decisions being made across our industry today will shape shipping for decades to come, and this summit demonstrates a shared commitment to shaping the future of our industry together.”

As the global shipping industry faces increased