⚙️ Global Ship Repair Activity Up 7% in 2025
New data from Clarksons Research shows that the global volume of ship repair work has increased by 7% in 2025, significantly outpacing overall fleet growth.
The surge is mainly fueled by an aging fleet reaching major survey milestones and a rising wave of energy-saving technology (EST) installations aimed at meeting tougher decarbonization goals.
🛠 Aging Fleet Drives Yard Demand
The 15-year anniversary of the 2009–2010 shipbuilding boom has led to a spike in the number of vessels undergoing their third, fourth, or even fifth special survey.
This has created strong global demand for repair slots, from Chinese shipyards to Mediterranean facilities.
🌿 The New Wave of Green Retrofits
While the scrubber retrofit boom that overwhelmed shipyards in 2019–2020 has long faded, a steady stream of decarbonization work has replaced it.
Since the beginning of 2025, over 540 vessels have undergone upgrades to install energy-saving technologies (EST).
Early-stage projects are also emerging in carbon capture systems and fuel conversion retrofits, marking the next step in the industry’s green transition.
🇨🇳 China Strengthens Its Global Dominance
China continues to dominate the global repair market more than ever — 17 of the world’s 20 busiest repair yards are now located there.
This cements China’s position as the undisputed global hub for shipbuilding and repair, while also increasing global dependence on its maritime infrastructure.
⚠️ Capacity Tightening and Rising Costs
Brokers are warning that as more vessels line up for drydockings, repair slot availability is tightening, and repair costs are climbing.
With limited yard capacity, shipowners are facing longer waiting times and higher off-hire periods, which could further pressure operating margins.
🧭 Clarksons analysts expect the growth trend to continue into 2026, as maintenance and decarbonization retrofits become central drivers of global fleet management and maritime efficiency.
