Orders surge for Chinese shipyards

Chinese shipbuilders are seeing a surprise surge in new orders despite the sluggish global demand.

State-owned AVIC International Ship Development (China) Co Ltd received orders this month for four ro-pax ferries from Stena RoRo, a subsidiary of the Swedish shipowner Stena AB.

It is the first time a Chinese shipyard has won a contract to build ro-pax ferries for a Western owner.