CITIC Securities says the shipbuilding sector is in a decade-long upcycle, driven by fleet replacement and tighter environmental regulations. External shocks have created divergence across vessel segments and uneven rotation. Elevated tanker freight rates have triggered an ordering surge: new tanker orders have risen sharply since November 2025 and full-year tanker orders are expected to remain high. CITIC sees bulk carrier orders potentially becoming the next growth driver. Leading indicators:

CITIC Securities says the shipbuilding sector is in a decade-long upcycle, driven by fleet replacement and tighter environmental regulations. External shocks have created divergence across vessel segments and uneven rotation. Elevated tanker freight rates have triggered an ordering surge: new tanker orders have risen sharply since November 2025 and full-year tanker orders are expected to remain high. CITIC sees bulk carrier orders potentially becoming the next growth driver. Leading indicators: new-build price index for August was 186.34, YoY +0.04%, MoM +0.46%, up five consecutive months, underscoring a supply-tight, seller’s market and supporting a constructive view on the sector.