For China to leave S Korean shipbuilding rivals in its wake, leaders told to be stern in shipbuilding efforts and seas the day
- ‘Core research and development capabilities’ are still subpar in home-grown engines and high-value-added ships, warns NPC delegate and shipbuilding expert
- Call for enhanced cultivation of talent and the establishment of a special fund comes after South Korea retakes monthly lead in global shipbuilding orders
In the race to solidify its standing as a global leader in shipbuilding and leave South Korean rivals in its wake, China’s leadership is being apprised of the need to accelerate the nation’s indigenous development of engines and other critical components.
Although China continues to maintain an overall edge in the world’s shipbuilding market, a lack of self-sufficiency in terms of design and manufacturing is significantly curtailing its shipbuilding prowess, according to Fu Guotao, chief engineer of the China Shipbuilding Industry Corporation and a delegate of the National People’s Congress (NPC).
Quoted in industry media reports this week, Fu also pointed to international tensions creating more complications and challenges in the supply chain of ship engines.
“Domestically, there is a lack of core research and development capabilities for key engine components, positioning China at the lower end of the industrial chain in the international market, leading to low competitiveness, a small market share, a lack of pricing power, and limited product development,” Fu said.
China’s roughly 3,000 NPC delegates frequently make suggestions, proposals and convey public sentiment to policymakers, and Fu contended that it is imperative for the country to establish a comprehensive research and development system for critical parts that will cultivate stronger home-grown brands.
