Zhejiang's shipbuilding sector continues its remarkable expansion, posting double-digit growth for the fourth straight year, according to the Economy and Technology Department of Zhejiang.

In 2024, the province completed 5.66 million deadweight tons in shipbuilding, a 35.9 percent increase year-on-year. New orders surged 57.5 percent to 11.69 million deadweight tons, while total orders in hand climbed 59.7 percent to 18.2 million deadweight tons.

The industry's total output value rose 23.6 percent to 61.49 billion yuan ($8.46 billion), with ship manufacturing alone contributing 31.09 billion yuan, up 30 percent.

Ship repair remained China's leading sector, generating 18.75 billion yuan, a 15.4 percent increase. Marine engineering equipment production more than doubled for the third consecutive year, up 119.2 percent.

Zhoushan city retained its dominant position, accounting for 67 percent of Zhejiang's total shipbuilding output. Meanwhile, Taizhou and Ningbo secured their highest order volumes since 2012, driving growth across the province.

Zhejiang's shipbuilding portfolio is now among the most diversified globally, covering 13 of the world's 18 major vessel types. Bulk carriers, container ships, and oil tankers led new orders, comprising 36.1 percent, 30.2 percent, and 27.6 percent, respectively.

The province is also charting a greener course. Orders for electric high-speed passenger ships and other eco-friendly vessels surged 71 percent, now representing 24 percent of all new orders — a trend gaining momentum for three consecutive years.