Ship orders for Japanese yards have more than tripled in January year on year and with gains of 218.5% averaged over 14 consecutive months to 1.5 million gross tons according to the Japan Ship Exporters Association.
This is an increase over the December's 162.1% increase in orders. In January, Japanese shipbuilders received orders for 28 export ships (25 bulkers and three oil tankers). Shipbuilders’ Association of Japan chairman Takao Motoyama was cautious despite the good news. “If the strength of the yen continues, Japan will lag behind South Korea and China in terms of price competitiveness,” he said.
