According to the sources, Hyundai Heavy Industries Co., Daewoo Shipbuilding & Marine Engineering Co., and other shipyards are forecasting that their combined exports will top $30 billion next year, following this year’s estimated $27 billion.
In 2006, local shipyards’ exports reached $21 billion.
This year, Korean ship-builders are estimated to have acquired about 40 percent of the global shipbuilding orders from shipping companies. Analysts said their booming business will continue into next year.
"Demand from shipping companies will not dwindle and local shipyards are expected to have another field day next year because of continued shipbuilding orders," said Lee Seung-woo, an analyst at Shinyoung Securities Co. "The shipbuilding industry will not be affected by the aftermath of subprime mortgage concerns."
Shipyards in Korea, the world’s largest shipbuilding nation, have received record orders in recent years as demand has surged for vessels to transport raw materials to China and goods to the rest of the world. The shipbuilders have enough orders to keep them busy for about four years.