Japan, the world's second-biggest shipbuilding country by tons of completed vessels, received 34 per cent fewer orders in the first half of this year after a surge of business last year ahead of a regulatory change did not repeat.
Contracts fell to 7.89 million gross tons from January to June, from 12 million gross tons a year earlier, the Japan Ship Exporters Association said yesterday in an e-mailed statement.
Japan's yards include Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Ltd, Mitsui Engineering & Shipbuilding Co and Imabari Shipbuilding Co.
Shipbuilding contracts worldwide rose to a record US$105.5 billion last year as shipping lines rushed to buy bulk carriers and oil tankers before April1, when new rules took effect requiring thicker hulls.
Japanese shipbuilders won contracts to build 37 ships in June, mostly bulk carriers and oil tankers, the association said.
Contracts fell to 7.89 million gross tons from January to June, from 12 million gross tons a year earlier, the Japan Ship Exporters Association said yesterday in an e-mailed statement.
Japan's yards include Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Ltd, Mitsui Engineering & Shipbuilding Co and Imabari Shipbuilding Co.
Shipbuilding contracts worldwide rose to a record US$105.5 billion last year as shipping lines rushed to buy bulk carriers and oil tankers before April1, when new rules took effect requiring thicker hulls.
Japanese shipbuilders won contracts to build 37 ships in June, mostly bulk carriers and oil tankers, the association said.