Reload and restart a new chapter for the future
Marintec China 2023, the leading maritime barometer for technological development and trends, will take place in Shanghai from 5–8 December. This edition marks a new chapter for the event, ushering in the next four decades of maritime collaboration and innovation. It continues to serve as a bridge and a comprehensive, multi-level platform for the international maritime community, while pointing the way toward the future development of international maritime affairs.
Marintec China made its debut during the early stages of China’s Reform and Opening-up period and has since been held in Shanghai at the end of odd-numbered years for 20 successful editions. With over 40 years of development, it has become one of the world’s most authoritative maritime exhibitions. Following a four-year break, Marintec China 2023 returns to the Shanghai New International Exhibition Center, drawing high anticipation from the global maritime industry to reconnect with customers in China and Asia.
With the steady recovery of global maritime trade over the past two years, the global newbuilding market has improved continuously. According to the China Association of National Shipbuilding Industry, global new ship orders reached 75.99 million deadweight tons between January and August 2023—a 37% year-on-year increase. By the end of August, the global order book stood at 244.08 million dwt, up 14% year-on-year. Meanwhile, new ship prices continued to rise, with the Clarkson New Ship Price Index hitting 173.55 in August 2023—up 0.7% month-on-month and 7.1% year-on-year.
China’s shipbuilding industry has leveraged these favorable conditions, maintaining a leading global market share. From January to August, China accounted for 49.0% of completed ships, 68.8% of new orders, and 53.9% of the global order book in terms of deadweight tonnage—ranking first globally. This strong performance lays a robust foundation for Marintec China 2023’s success.
To meet growing participation demand, the Organising Committee expanded the exhibition by adding Hall W1 to the existing Halls N1–N3 and W2–W5. Additionally, the South Entrance Hall will serve as a secondary entrance to ease visitor flow.
Halls N1–N3 are designated for international participation. As of 20 August, companies from 30 countries and regions have confirmed their attendance, including 15 national and regional pavilions. The German Pavilion is the largest, followed by the Danish and Norwegian pavilions. Global industry leaders such as MAN, Wärtsilä, ABB, Accelleron, Siemens, Kongsberg, Rolls-Royce, MacGregor, Hyundai Heavy Industries, Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Kawasaki Heavy Industries, Tsuneishi, and Ulstein will also be present.
Halls W1–W5 will showcase domestic exhibitors, many of whom are focused on new energy and intelligent ship technologies—key areas as the industry advances toward decarbonisation and digitalisation.
This year’s Marintec China is expected to be the largest ever. Key exhibitors plan to launch significant new products, with numerous corporate executives attending in person. Major industry associations, embassies, and consulates based in China are also preparing concurrent business activities, reinforcing Marintec China as the foremost maritime exhibition in Asia and globally.
The pace of decarbonisation in the global maritime industry has accelerated over the past two years, making "low-carbon" a central theme. The exhibition will spotlight green and eco-friendly solutions such as dual-fuel ships, fuel cells, new energy batteries, marine LNG supply systems (FGSS), and desulfurisation devices. Intelligent ships will also be a major highlight as digitalisation advances.
“Marintec Innovation – Cruise,” launched in 2017, returns this year with the “Marintec Cruise Interiors” section, supported by the Cruise and Yacht Branch of the China Tourism Automobile and Cruise Association. A dedicated “Marintec Cruise Experience Zone” will simulate various sections of a floating hotel, with “The Theatre” providing an open forum for activities that highlight the exhibition's unique characteristics.
The Senior Maritime Forum, held concurrently with the exhibition, will focus on the theme “Innovation, Intelligence, Low-carbon.” It aligns with the global decarbonisation agenda and maritime industry developments. Scheduled from 4 to 7 December at the Kerry Hotel, Pudong, Shanghai, the forum will feature 5+1 sessions: “Ship and Offshore Engineering,” “Shipping and Port,” “Maritime Finance and Law,” “Marine Equipment Technology,” and a special “Cruise” session.
The sessions on “Keynote Address,” “Shipping and Port,” and “Marine Equipment Technology” will centre on low-carbon strategies, inviting experts, shipbuilders, supporting enterprises, and research institutions to discuss the latest trends and innovations. The “Ship and Offshore Engineering” session will explore intelligent ship design and manufacturing, while the “Maritime Finance and Law” session will address ship financing and legal challenges.
The Cruise session will gather experts to share insights on cruise ship construction, design, operation, and supply chain development—especially important given current global economic and geopolitical uncertainties.
Confirmed Senior Maritime Forum speakers include:
Mr. Roberto Cazzulo, Chair Elect, IACS
Mr. Guy Platten, Secretary General, ICS
Mr. Stephen Gordon, Managing Director, Clarksons Research
Dr. Martin Stopford, Maritime Economics for Professionals
Prof. Huang Zhen, Shanghai Jiaotong University
Mr. John McDonald, President and COO, ABS
Mr. Ian Gaunt, Former President, London Maritime Arbitrators Association
Beyond the Senior Maritime Forum, the exhibition will feature forums, technical seminars, product launches, signing ceremonies, and award events. The inaugural “Pudong Shipping Week,” hosted by the Pudong New Area Government, will include cultural and sporting activities during the same week.
This year, Marintec China will further enhance digitalisation, with a pre-registration system already live. The WeChat and exhibition apps will launch in November, while the online exhibitor manual continues to support participants.
The Organising Committee is actively sending invitations to industry organisations, government departments, universities, enterprises, and institutions to encourage group participation. Around 200 professional visiting groups will be arranged, with customised visit routes.
Marintec China 2023 promises to be a prime opportunity for the global shipbuilding, offshore equipment, and shipping service sectors to showcase their strengths, forge partnerships, and advance scientific and technological progress—making it the must-attend maritime event of the year.
This article was originally published on Marine & Industrial Report newspaper Vol 45 No.5 Issue last October 31, 2023.
